Taylor Decker appears to be returning for his 11th season with the Lions. The veteran left tackle hinted at his plans on Instagram, just hours after coach Dan Campbell discussed the team's future at the position.

“'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? And I said, 'Here am I; SEND ME!' #Year11" he captioned the post.

This will be the 11^th season for the 10-year veteran, making Decker the longest tenured player in the Lions’ current roster. After his $60 million contract from the last extension, we might be looking at a similar figure if he intends on staying for a few years.

Decker had a grueling shoulder injury last season, leading to him missing three games and playing the rest with immense pain. That was when Decker was contemplating retirement.

Speaking to reporters at the time, Decker said, “Ideally, I would play. I would continue to play,” Decker said at the time. “But I just need to sit and evaluate, and … this is not a decision that I want to make now or kind of consider right now, cause it would be an emotional decision.”

Decker has suffered several injuries throughout his career and has undergone five major surgeries, including two shoulder surgeries. “People have it worse, but like, that’s five surgeries. Anesthesia’s not good for you, the recovery’s not good for you, body trauma, it’s not good for you. I think if I had to have another major surgery just to be able to play, I probably wouldn’t.”

After a difficult season, it's refreshing to see Decker excited to return for the 2026 season.

Campbell is looking to build more depth even if Decker were to return

Less than a year ago, Frank Ragnow announced his retirement after the draft, forcing the Detroit Lions to make last-minute changes to the squad and missing the playoffs.

This time, Dan Campbell is looking to avoid such situations. Hours before Decker announced his plans, Campbell spoke to reporters about how he is looking to build more depth in the squad even if Decker were to return.

"Look, if it’s not [Decker], then we got to find a guy. But if it is, we still have to find a guy, because as much as I love Deck, he’s got some things that are going to need some management, and that’s kind of where we’re at. One way or another, we’re going to need somebody that can play over there, and that can help us if we need him in a crunch or we need him as a starter,” Campbell said.

Looks like the Lions’ front office has already started planning for the post-Decker era.  

What are your thoughts on Decker’s return? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Shyam Hari

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar