Raiders Linked to Former Lions Starter Ahead of 2026 Season
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 16: Detroit Lions offensive lineman Taylor Decker 68 enters the field before the game between the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles on November 16, 2025 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA NOV 16 Lions at Eagles EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251117105
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 16: Detroit Lions offensive lineman Taylor Decker 68 enters the field before the game between the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles on November 16, 2025 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA NOV 16 Lions at Eagles EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251117105
After spending a decade with the Detroit Lions, offensive tackle Taylor Decker refused to take a pay cut. Decker is an unrestricted free agent, and the Las Vegas Raiders could be his next landing spot.
As the Raiders continue to reform their offensive line before training camp, and Decker remains one of the most experienced tackles, analysts discussed his prospects.
"Decker is still a worthy commodity for a team that may be worried about offensive line depth. I'm primarily looking at those with young quarterbacks like the Tennessee Titans and Las Vegas Raiders, but he could also be snatched up later by a Super Bowl contender," said FanSided's Austen Bundy, reported May 16.
INGLEWOOD, CA - DECEMBER 14: Detroit Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker (68) lines up at the line of scrimmage during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams on December 14, 2025 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly Icon Sportswire) NFL: DEC 14 Lions at Rams EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251214208
INGLEWOOD, CA - DECEMBER 14: Detroit Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker (68) lines up at the line of scrimmage during the NFL, American Football Herren, USA game between the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams on December 14, 2025 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly Icon Sportswire) NFL: DEC 14 Lions at Rams EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251214208
Decker developed leadership skills under head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes. He started 14 games and logged 97% of the offensive snaps in those appearances last season.
"Teams don't necessarily like to spend draft capital on midseason trades for linemen, but who knows, maybe a shortened campaign will allow Decker to display a new burst of energy on a potential playoff run," Bundy added.
Despite being in his 30s, Decker wants to prove that he still has plenty of football left in the tank. The Raiders have young players on offense, but having an experienced veteran will help other players.
Decker earned a 67.9 overall PFF grade last season and also has a Pro Bowl title from the 2024 season.
Decker represents a low-risk veteran option with extensive starting experience. If Las Vegas' young offense needs protection, Decker could become a reliable target in the coming weeks.
Behind-the-Scenes Video Reveals Lions Nearly Pulled Off Major Draft Trade
The behind-the-scenes draft video revealed that the Detroit Lions were far more aggressive during the 2026 NFL Draft than many realized.
"Inside the #Ravens draft room: The #Lions offered No. 17 and 118, along with a 2027 3rd for No. 14. Baltimore had interest, but Detroit ultimately pulled the offer," NFL reporter Ari Meirov reported May 19. "The offer was initially made before Miami selected Kadyn Proctor at No. 12."
Detroit stayed at No. 17 and selected Blake Miller, while trading in the second round to draft Derrick Moore before Baltimore could make its pick.
With Campbell and Holmes reshaping the roster, the Lions appear confident to return to playoff contention. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Hetal Moleshri
Edited by
Shubhi Rathore