Lions Coach Considers Moving Penei Sewell to Left Tackle

Head coach Dan Campbell says he'd like to shift the All-Pro right tackle to protect the quarterback's blind side.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:51pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting an offensive lineman in pass protection, with sharp geometric planes in the colors of the Detroit Lions' uniforms.Penei Sewell's potential shift to left tackle could provide added security for Lions QB Jared Goff.Phoenix Today

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said he is considering moving star right tackle Penei Sewell to left tackle this upcoming season. Sewell, who won the Outland Trophy as college football's best lineman at Oregon in 2019, has primarily played right tackle in his NFL career so far, but Campbell believes he has the flexibility to make the switch to protect quarterback Jared Goff's blind side.

Why it matters

The Lions' offensive line has undergone significant changes this offseason, with the release of longtime left tackle Taylor Decker. Shifting the talented Sewell to the critical left tackle position could provide a boost of confidence and security for Goff and the entire offense.

The details

Sewell has not played left tackle as his primary position since his standout 2019 season at Oregon. He started the first eight games of his NFL career at left tackle in 2021 while Decker was injured, but has primarily played right tackle since then. Campbell believes Sewell has the ability to make the switch, saying "he'll be fine" with a few days to work on his left-handed stance.

  • Sewell won the Outland Trophy as college football's best lineman at Oregon in 2019.
  • Sewell sat out the 2020 NFL season due to COVID-19.
  • Sewell started the first 8 games of the 2021 NFL season at left tackle in place of an injured Taylor Decker.

The players

Dan Campbell

Head coach of the Detroit Lions.

Penei Sewell

All-Pro right tackle for the Detroit Lions who is being considered for a move to left tackle.

Jared Goff

Quarterback for the Detroit Lions.

Taylor Decker

Former starting left tackle for the Detroit Lions who was released this offseason.

Larry Borom

Free agent offensive tackle signed by the Detroit Lions, who could start at right tackle.

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What they’re saying

“I've talked to him. 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. And all he wants is a couple days to work his left-handed stance a little bit. 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.”

— Dan Campbell, Head Coach, Detroit Lions

What’s next

The Lions will continue to evaluate their offensive line options during the offseason program and leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft, where they could target another tackle to compete for a starting job.

The takeaway

The potential move of Penei Sewell to left tackle highlights the Lions' commitment to building a strong offensive line to protect quarterback Jared Goff and open holes for the running game. Sewell's versatility gives the team flexibility as they reshape their line this offseason.