Penei Sewell
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 22: Penei Sewell #58 of the Detroit Lions looks on before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Detroit Lions are in the midst of an offensive line overhaul of sorts. After being the NFC’s No. 1 seed in 2024, Detroit had a disappointing 2025 season, finishing 9-8 (last in the NFC North) and missing the playoffs. The regression of the Lions’ offensive line was a big part of Detroit’s struggles on offense, and rebuilding that unit is one of the priorities of their offseason.
After releasing veteran OL Graham Glasgow, the shakeup on the Lions’ offensive line isn’t over. Longtime Lions LT Taylor Decker announced on Instagram that he has requested his release from Detroit to pursue opportunities elsewhere. There was some speculation that Decker would choose to retire this offseason, but he’s intent on playing. All indications are he and the Lions are parting ways on amicable terms.
Decker’s absence does leave a sizable hole at left tackle, and it could mean big things for the Lions’ stalwart on the other side of the line….
Could a Position Switch Be in the Cards for Detroit Lions RT Penei Sewell?
Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker
GettyLANDOVER, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 09: Penei Sewell #58 and Taylor Decker #68 of the Detroit Lions celebrate after their team’s 44-22 victory against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
The Lions have a superstar at right tackle. After selecting Penei Sewell at No. 7 overall out of Oregon in 2021, he’s developed into one of the league’s elite tackles. Right now, he’s the best tackle in the sport — he ranked first among all tackles with an elite 95.7 PFF grade in 2025. Though he took his lumps as a rookie, he still finished with an above-average 76.8 grade, improving that to an 83.9 in 2022. Over the last three season, Sewell has been the best tackle in football and is only getting better.
However, he might not be at right tackle much longer. Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press highlights the possibility that the Lions will move Sewell to left tackle with Decker’s departure. A left tackle in college at Oregon, Sewell won the Outland Trophy as college football’s best lineman but moved to right tackle with the Lions because Decker had the left side on lockdown.
This type of move isn’t unprecedented in recent NFL history. When the Buccaneers had a hole at left tackle, they moved All-Pro RT Tristan Wirfs to the left side and didn’t skip a beat, becoming an even more dominant force at a more valuable position. That’s what the Lions would hope Sewell can do if they choose to make this move.
What Else Can the Detroit Lions Do to Rebuild Their Offensive Line?
Moving Sewell to left tackle solves that problem, but it creates another hole at right tackle — not to mention the issues they have along the interior of their offensive line. In all likelihood, the Lions will make multiple significant additions to their offensive line this offseason, starting with free agency and continuing with the draft.
Some premium offensive line options for the Lions when they’re picking at No. 17 include Penn State G Olaivavega Ioane, Utah OT Spencer Fano, Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor, Oregon G Emmanuel Pregnon, and Utah OT Caleb Lomu — among plenty of others available later in the draft.