As much as I would like decker to be complete healthy I can’t help think this is also a positive thing. Get our backup tackles as many reps in practice as possible. I’m starting to get the same feeling with decker as I had with ragnow. I don’t see him playing much longer than a couple more years unless he can stay healthy. Especially if we win the Super Bowl. Am I overthinking?
it’s time to start thinking about a replacement. I’d bet we draft another in the first 3 rounds next year.
1 Like
I think your thoughts are inline with what basically all Lions fans know. Decker is in the twilight years of his career and will most likely not play (or be re-signed) beyond his current contract. His contract takes him through the 2027.
The plan for replacing Decker and Glasgow has to be forefront in Holmes mind.
Must maintain Oline domination.
6 Likes
Does Manu have a brother?
2 Likes
Next year is deep at OT’s in the draft and somewhat at C. Moving Sewell over to LT and working in a new RT would be my first move.
2 Likes
i don’t think you’re overthinking. Especially with a back injury. It’s this year or never for both Deck and Glasgow.
1 Like
Manu was that pick in case Decker was done sooner rather than later. He might not be the heir apparent, but you have to complement the foresight. Instead of scrambling after the fact for whatever is available, taking a project early and trying to mold him into what you want
And I won’t be the least bit surprised if this is Deckers last year.
3 Likes
Yes. His name is Mancity.
4 Likes
I’d like to squeeze out one more year of Deck at RT to let a younger guy develop.
Hope he can get health together but he’s had a long physical run!
1 Like
Let’s look at the facts we know.
Decker is 32 years old.
He signed a 3 year extension in 2024 that keeps him under contract through the 2027 season.
The extension is reportedly worth $60 million with about 31 million guaranteed.
His 2024 and 2025 salaries are fully guaranteed… there are roster bonuses in 2026/2027.
He’s recovering from shoulder surgery… he had an offseason procedure to clean up his shoulder.
The Lions and him have been cautious with the injury.
He’s expressed that the mental, emotional, and family side weighs heavily on him. In fact, when the shoulder injury first flared, he had expressed thoughts about retiring.
I think he retires or walks away after the 2026 season. Which gives him roughly 11 seasons total, he’s still under relative control due to his contract, but it also aligns with when his contract becomes less guaranteed and the wear is more obvious.
If things go poorly health wise, it could slip earlier. Or if the Lions win a superbowl he may decide to go out on the high note. But..If he stays healthy and motivated, he might try to play through 2027, but that seems like the outer edge of what is realistic.
I think the Lions will be looking for his replacement this next draft… that is if they deem Manu not to be his replacement. We may choose to bring in some competition for Manu too. I expect that to be honest.
That makes me wonder if we try to go one more year with GG at center or if we try to find two OL in next years draft.
3 Likes
I think the hope is still that ratledge goes to center and maybe frazier hits. Draft an earlish OT to compete with manu as well as an interior G/C in the mid/late rounds. in 2026 we are looking at an oline of
Decker mahogany Tate frazier/rookie sewell
And 2027
Sewell mahogany Tate frazier/year2 G manu/year2 OT
Personally, I would be happy with that as I always feel you need to draft oline depth, have to check Manu and stop with the jamarco jones or skipper being on the roster. Until they communicate that the plan has changed for Ratledge I believe them when they say they see him as the future C.
1 Like
He’s such a beast at OG and next to Sewell I hate to move him. But … I expect Sewell to move to LT once Decker retires…
1 Like
I dont really disagree and I am sure it will be discussed, I just anchor on the belief that their plan for him hasn’t changed despite the desires of our fan base here that he stays at OG.
1 Like
If with you on that one. If they can get a left tackle and center in the draft next year I’d prefer to keep Sewell and ratledge together on the right side where they’ve been dominant. Maybe mahogany can move inside and Frazier to left guard?
1 Like
I wonder if that RG spot is almost rotational to anyone with a little mean streak? Move Tate to center, and put Awisoka or anyone and watch them shine next to the Big Pen.
But I do hope for a high talent OLineman next year. Whether through draft, trade or FA. GG and Deck on the wrong side of age.
But F next year. Not going there anymore. This team right now!
1 Like
Bro - leaving after TWO SBs would be a higher note than leaving after “a” SB.
Wonder if he’d have any interest in playing a more reserved backup role? Player coach? Would love to keep him around the organization, if he wants to be. Fraley’s understudy? Swing tackle for a couple of years first?
2 Likes
I think we likely go OL TWICE, in the first 3 rounds, next year.
T-Deck, GG, and AA will be under consideration for being replaced soon, if not next year.
Any Badass LB available in rounds 3 or 4?
2 Likes
I think all his salary guarantees end with the 2025 season, with just his signing bonus weighing against the cap through 2028. Am I reading that right, @DeadStroke? I think 2025 could easily be his last season, especially with Ragnow telling him about life on the other side. There’s lots between here and there of course.
2 Likes
It’s crazy how fast things change in the nfl. When we drafted Sewell we had an incredibly talented line all in their 20’s. I thought we would have them together for almost a decade. Now we’re looking at Sewell as the last one once decker retires.
1 Like
You mean one that is maybe a bit more ready to play NFL football
I need my man to get on the field and look decent
1 Like