Are the Detroit Lions about to take a page from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for right tackle Penei Sewell? 

Following his request to leave the Lions, Taylor Decker will be returning to the NFL but will play for another franchise. This leaves a huge hole at left tackle for the Lions.

However, Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett believes Penei Sewell, the superstar right tackle, might move to cover that position. 

In fact, this particular move has happened in the past with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers had a gap at left tackle, and they moved All-Pro right tackle Tristan Wirfs to the left side. A similar move is expected to be done by the Lions. 

The Lions drafted Pewell as their seventh overall pick back in 2021. The four-time Pro Bowler is one of the best tackles in the league currently. And as for the 2025 season, he ranks the best amongst all tackles with a Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 95.7. 

As a rookie, he did have his struggles and started with a 76.8 grade, which is considered above average. That number saw a rise to 83.9 in 2022. Sewell is continuing to grow better and better, and he is one of the best at his position right now. 

This move to left tackle is not that bad at all. Sewell played LT for Oregon, where he played his college football. The four-time Pro Bowler also won the Outland Trophy as one of the best tackles in college football. 

The Lions’ fans can expect to see Penei Sewell at left tackle for the 2026 NFL season. 

How will the Lions further address issues regarding their offensive line?

In the 2024 season, the Detroit Lions were the number one seed in the NFC. In 2025, it was a completely different picture. Dan Campbell and his Lions missed the playoffs, went 9-8, and were last in the NFC North. 

Rebuilding that offensive line is a priority for Dan Campbell and the front office this offseason. Left tackle is already taken care of with Penei Sewell. Gaps remain at right tackle and center, amongst other positions. 

The Lions would look at the NFL Draft and the upcoming free agency to bolster the offensive line unit. The Lions have draft picks in every round except the third round. 

Some options that could be used for the 17th pick could be Olaivavega Ioane, guard, out of Penn State, Spencer Fano, offensive tackle, out of Utah, and Kadyn Proctor, OT from Alabama. 

Emmanuel Pregnon, G, out of Oregon, and OT Caleb Lomu are among other options available for the Lions, and more options will be available as the draft goes deep. 

As for free agents, the Lions have some work to do around the salary cap and make funds available. At the same time would need to beat their rivals in the NFC North, as everyone in that division is looking for offensive linemen. 

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Written by

Samvruth Raj

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi