Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers
Getty
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The answers to the Detroit Lions‘ offensive line questions are beginning to roll in with the start of the NFL Combine, but are proving something of a mixed bag.
Detroit finished 2025 with the 12th-ranked O-line unit, according to Pro Football Focus, which is down from No. 4 the year prior. The departures of center Frank Ragnow and right guard Kevin Zeitler were two primary reasons for the drop off, as was the decline of left tackle Taylor Decker over the course of the year.
Putting aside for a moment Decker’s potential retirement and status as a possible cap casualty if he remains in the league, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported news about one of Detroit’s primary NFC rivals on Tuesday, February 24 that could allow for an upgrade to the Lions’ O-line in the coming weeks.
“With five-time All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams scheduled to carry a $39 million cap number this season, he and the 49ers currently are struggling to find a contractual solution, per league sources,” Schefter wrote on X. “If the two sides can’t bridge their differences in their standoff, Williams would be expected to join this year’s free-agent class, making him one of the premier players available.”
Williams will play next season at 38 years old and won’t be cheap. The Lions also have several star players up for contract extensions, which could complicate matters.
That said, if Williams comes available, the Lions will undoubtedly explore their options after persistent injuries and occasionally shaky offensive line play dropped the team out of the playoff picture for the first time in three years.
Taylor Decker Announces Intention to Return to Lions for 11th Season
Taylor Decker
GettyDetroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker.
Getting back to Decker, he openly discussed the possibility of retirement ahead of the end of last season. However, the 2024 Pro Bowler indicated on social media Tuesday that he intends to return for his 11th season in 2026.
“‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ And I said. ‘Here am I; SEND ME!’ #Year11,” Decker captioned an Instagram photo of himself running out of the tunnel at Ford Field.
The post is fairly clear on its implication, but that doesn’t necessarily solve any problems for the Lions where their offensive line is concerned.
Lions Predicted to Cut Taylor Decker, Could Use Money Saved Toward Deal for Trent Williams
Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers
GettySan Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams.
Brian Schatz of ESPN predicted earlier this offseason that Detroit would release Decker if he decided to come back, which he apparently just did.
“The Lions will cut left tackle Taylor Decker if he does not retire,” Schatz wrote. “He will be 33 years old next season and has had issues with shoulder injuries. Through Week 17 in 2025, he fell to 43rd out of 70 ranked tackles in pass block win rate, and he ranks 61st in run block win rate.”
Detroit can save $11.6 million this year and $17.85 million against the salary cap in 2027 by parting ways with Decker in March. And given the Lions’ current cap deficit of $9.6 million, plus all the players they need to pay and the hole they need to fill at pass-rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson, the team needs all the spare cash it can find.
Again, Detroit’s financial circumstances are not ideal with regards to inking a player like Williams to what would probably be a multiyear deal as he goes even deeper into his mid-30s. But the opportunity is rare and potentially prosperous enough that the Lions might consider mortgaging some of their future to take a swing on an elite left tackle right now.