Lions Ready to Move Sewell to Left Tackle If Needed

Head coach Dan Campbell says All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell can shift to left tackle to protect quarterback Jared Goff's blind side.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:30pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an offensive line in overlapping planes of blue and silver, conveying the strategic flexibility and protection the Lions' line could provide.An innovative offensive line configuration anchored by All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell could provide crucial protection for the Detroit Lions' passing attack.Phoenix Today

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said at the Annual League Meetings that the team is prepared to move All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell to left tackle if necessary, following the offseason release of veteran left tackle Taylor Decker. Sewell played left tackle in college at Oregon before joining the Lions as a 2021 first-round draft pick, and he made eight starts at left tackle as a rookie filling in for Decker.

Why it matters

Having an elite talent like Sewell capable of playing either tackle position gives the Lions valuable flexibility to field their best offensive line, which is crucial for protecting quarterback Jared Goff and opening up the running game.

The details

Campbell said Sewell will need just a few days to get comfortable in his left-handed stance again, and the coach believes Sewell's ability to anchor the left side will provide a 'security blanket' for Goff. The Lions signed veteran tackle Larry Borom in free agency, but most of his work has come at right tackle, so the team has the option to start the best tackle pairing, whether that's Sewell and Borom, Sewell and a draft pick, or some other combination.

  • At the Annual League Meetings in Phoenix, Arizona this week, Campbell discussed the team's plans for Sewell.

The players

Dan Campbell

Head coach of the Detroit Lions.

Penei Sewell

All-Pro right tackle for the Detroit Lions, who played left tackle in college at Oregon.

Jared Goff

Quarterback for the Detroit Lions.

Taylor Decker

Veteran left tackle who was released by the Detroit Lions this offseason.

Larry Borom

Veteran tackle signed by the Detroit Lions in free agency, who has mostly worked at right tackle.

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What they’re saying

“If you're asking me, I'd like to move him. We are ready to do that, if need be. I don't want to say right now I'm going to commit to that, but we are ready to do that.”

— Dan Campbell, Head Coach, Detroit Lions

“All he wants is a couple of 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 bank some reps and be able to do it. He gives us that flexibility.”

— Dan Campbell, Head Coach, Detroit Lions

“Just knowing that Sewell is back there what Decker's been able to do for all those years you'd see some of those where he's able to anchor and Goff (and Decker) are back-to-back and he makes those throws. He steps up and there's a security blanket there subconsciously. I just think, to know who's back there and to feel like, 'OK, even if I feel that linebacker, I'm good.' I just think it brings a little extra security.”

— Dan Campbell, Head Coach, Detroit Lions

What’s next

The Lions will continue to evaluate their offensive line options during the offseason program and training camp, with Sewell potentially shifting to left tackle if it gives them the best combination of starters.

The takeaway

The flexibility to move an elite talent like Penei Sewell between tackle positions is a valuable asset for the Lions as they look to solidify their offensive line and protect quarterback Jared Goff. This move could pay dividends for the team's offense in the 2023 season.