Detroit Lions Say Farewell to Veteran Offensive Lineman

Pro Bowl left tackle Taylor Decker to depart after a decade with the team

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Detroit Lions are undergoing a roster shakeup, with several key players from their 2025 season departing the team. Most notably, Pro Bowl left tackle Taylor Decker, the Lions' longest-tenured player, has requested his release and will officially leave the team when the new league year begins. Decker was a beloved figure in Detroit, known for his grit and a controversial play in 2023 that sparked fan outrage. The Lions are also losing other starters on the offensive line, as well as linebacker Alex Anzalone and running back David Montgomery.

Why it matters

The departures of Decker and other veteran players signal a transition period for the Lions, who are looking to build on their 9-8 season in 2025 and return to the playoffs. Losing key contributors on both sides of the ball will be a challenge, but the team is retaining core pieces like head coach Dan Campbell, quarterback Jared Goff, and several young stars. How the Lions navigate this roster turnover will be crucial to their future success.

The details

Decker, 32, was the Lions' first-round pick in 2016 and has been a stalwart on the offensive line for the past decade. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2022. Decker's release will become official on Wednesday, March 13, when the new league year begins. The Lions are also losing starting center Frank Ragnow, who retired last June, and offensive lineman Dan Skipper, who announced his retirement in January and joined the coaching staff. Additionally, the team has agreed to trade veteran running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans.

  • Decker's release will become official on Wednesday, March 13, 2026 at 4 p.m. EST.
  • Linebacker Alex Anzalone is expected to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when free agency opens.
  • Running back David Montgomery was traded to the Houston Texans last week.

The players

Taylor Decker

A Pro Bowl left tackle who has been the Detroit Lions' longest-tenured player after being selected 16th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Dan Campbell

The head coach of the Detroit Lions, who is retaining his position despite the roster changes.

Jared Goff

The starting quarterback for the Detroit Lions, who is also returning for the 2026 season.

Alex Anzalone

A starting linebacker for the Detroit Lions who is expected to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in free agency.

David Montgomery

A veteran running back for the Detroit Lions who was traded to the Houston Texans last week.

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What they’re saying

“The Bears have a need at left tackle. Taylor Decker played under Ben Johnson in Detroit. Hmm.”

— Courtney Cronin, ESPN (ESPN)

What’s next

The Lions will need to find replacements for Decker, Anzalone, and Montgomery as they look to build on their 9-8 season in 2025 and return to the playoffs.

The takeaway

The departures of veteran players like Taylor Decker, Alex Anzalone, and David Montgomery signal a transition period for the Detroit Lions, who must now find ways to replace key contributors on both sides of the ball. However, the team is retaining its core leadership, including head coach Dan Campbell and quarterback Jared Goff, and has young talent to build around, setting the stage for an intriguing 2026 season.