Lions Fans Debate Moving Penei Sewell to Left Tackle

All-Pro right tackle's versatility sparks discussion on offensive line shuffle

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:35pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented, geometric interpretation of a football offensive line, with sharp, overlapping planes in muted tones of navy, green, and orange, conveying the conceptual idea of strategic positioning and line optimization.A strategic chess move to elevate the Lions' offensive line by shifting their All-Pro tackle to a critical position.Today in Detroit

Detroit Lions fans are debating whether the team should move star right tackle Penei Sewell to the left side of the offensive line, a position traditionally considered more crucial due to the quarterback's throwing motion. While Sewell has excelled on the right side, his talent and versatility have fans and coaches considering the potential benefits of shifting him to left tackle, a role he played in college.

Why it matters

Maximizing the impact of elite talent like Sewell is crucial for the Lions' long-term success. The left tackle position is seen as more vital for protecting the quarterback's blind side, so moving Sewell there could elevate the entire offensive line. However, disrupting a functional unit also carries risks that the team must carefully weigh.

The details

Sewell, an All-Pro right tackle, has the athleticism and football IQ to potentially excel on the left side as well. His experience playing left tackle in college makes the transition more feasible. While there are concerns about disrupting the offensive line's chemistry, fans believe the potential reward of having an elite left tackle outweighs the risk, especially if the team can find a solid right tackle to fill the void.

  • Penei Sewell was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2021.

The players

Penei Sewell

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

Dan Campbell

The head coach of the Detroit Lions, who has expressed interest in moving Sewell to left tackle.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Lions will need to carefully evaluate the potential risks and rewards of moving Penei Sewell to left tackle during the offseason and make a decision that best positions the team for long-term success.

The takeaway

This discussion highlights the Lions' strategic approach to building their offensive line, focusing on maximizing the impact of their top talent rather than simply filling positions. The potential Sewell move reflects a forward-thinking organization that is willing to take calculated risks to elevate their team.