Dan Campbell is considering a major shakeup on the Lions' offensive line. Star right tackle Penei Sewell could be on the move back to the left side. This potential shift signals a new era for Detroit as they plan for the 2026 season.

Head coach Dan Campbell confirmed the team is considering moving offensive tackle Penei Sewell to the left tackle position.

"I’ve talked to him," Campbell said. "We're ready to do that if need be. I don’t want to say that right now I’m going to commit to that, but that’s – we’re ready to do that.”

While talking with the reporters, he did not commit to anything on the change, but rather simply stated that it could happen.

“It’s a little bit like riding a bike for him. He’ll be fine. He’ll be fine. He’ll bank some reps and be able to do it, but he gives us that flexibility,” Campbell said.

During his time in Oregon in 2019, Sewell played at left tackle. Later, Penei Sewell was selected by the Detroit Lions as the seventh overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and was eventually moved to right tackle.

Entering his sixth season with the Lions, he has played 16 games in the last season. In 2025, he stands at a Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 95.2 with 998 total snaps played.  

With a pass block grade of 80.3 and run block grade of 96.8 (best in the NFL for 2025), Dan Campbell is confident about Penei Sewell excelling as a left tackle, should the need arise.

How Could This Change Could Reshape Detroit’s Offensive Line?

With Taylor Decker leaving the club after a decade, one can see why Penei Sewell could have to revert to his 2021 position.

While that position may feel lacking, the head coach focused on the positions that the Lions have.

“We’ve got the HARD part down… we got the QB, two WR’s, we got a TE, we got the Back, a Tackle, we got...HUTCH, we got Jack, we got Branch… the future looks BRIGHT,” Dan Campbell said. 

With additions like Tate Ratledge, Ben Bartch, Larry Borom, Cade Mays, and Juice Scruggs, Detroit now has multiple options to shift roles without weakening the structure.

According to various mock draft projections, the Lions could even go for a young tackle in Max Iheanachor or Blake Miller in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Do you think this change will elevate Penei Sewell? Share your thoughts with Lions fans below.

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote