NFL Trade Rumors: Detroit Lions Extend Tackle Taylor Decker

The Detroit Lions should be able to maintain the strength of their team for years to come. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Lions have reached an agreement with long-time left tackle Taylor Decker on a three-year, $60 million extension.

Lions left tackle Taylor Decker turns 31 next month. This new deal will bring his career earnings to over $140 million. https://t.co/oKf0wzdTzn
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 29, 2024

Decker is one of the Lions' most established veterans. He was the team's 16th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Over his 112 career starts, he has been a reliable and sometimes dominant protector on the blindside. He earned a solid 77.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus for his play in 2023.

Though never a Pro Bowler or superstar in his own right on the scale of linemates Penei Sewell and Frank Ragnow, Decker is a leader and a crucial cog on an offensive line PFF ranks as the best in the league. The strength of the unit is a big reason why the Lions have been one of the NFL's most effective offenses in recent years, finishing fifth in points scored in consecutive seasons.

Decker is one of many key veterans locked up by the Lions this offseason. He joins quarterback Jared Goff (four years, $212 million), wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (four years, $120.01 million), and Sewell (four years, $112 million) as offensive players to land massive extensions in recent months. With so many stars now firmly entrenched, the Lions should be able to continue contending in the NFC for the foreseeable future.