Lions LT Taylor Decker says he's returning for 11th season in 2026

Field Level Media|published: Tue 24th February, 17:43 2026

Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker takes the field during player introductions before the Detroit Lions game against the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023.

After some time deliberating his future, Lions left tackle Taylor Decker announced he'll return for an 11th season with Detroit in 2026 on Tuesday.

Decker, 32, announced the news on Instagram with a picture of himself running onto the field and a caption reading, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" And I said, "Here I am; SEND ME!" #Year11"

The 16th overall pick out of Ohio State in the 2016 NFL Draft, Decker has started all 140 regular-season games as well as five playoff contests that he has played with Detroit.

He was a first-time Pro Bowler in 2024, but admitted he had to battle through a shoulder injury last season which severely limited him in practice and made him seriously consider stepping away from the game.

"If that's what my future is going to be to continue to play -- that's not something I'm willing to do. Because I'm not willing to put my family through it," Decker said after the season finale on Jan. 4. "I'm not willing to be distant and not be a present father, because your kids are only little once, and, God willing, we have more. I want to be able to play with them. I want to be able to throw the ball with them. I mean, I can't throw a football right now. No way."

--Field Level Media

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