Taylor Decker draws a line after Lions exit: No Bears, no Packers

Offensive lineman Taylor Decker had a bit of a dramatic departure from the Detroit Lions. But after a decade with the team, he still has some hangups about moving on to certain other teams.

Playing for rivals “feels dirty” for Decker

Decker requested his release from the Lions after a breakdown in communication that led to tension and awkwardness and what he said felt “like a high school breakup” between he and the team. He understood that he would not be taking a pay cut, but was later told it was the only way he’d be welcomed back.

Still, while he may move on to another NFL team, he can’t quite stomach the thought of playing for a rival of Detroit. According to DetroitFootball.net’s Justin Rogers, Decker would not like to play for the Green Bay Packers or Chicago Bears.

“He’s kind of thinking about, ‘Is it cheap to go win somewhere else after you’ve invested all your energy emotionally and physically into one franchise?’” Rogers said on the Lions Collective podcast.

“I will tell you that he’s pretty anti-playing for the Bears or Packers. That’s the Lions background in him. I know Ben Johnson did it and that was the right situation for him, but Taylor feels kind of dirty about the idea. It just isn’t interesting to him. I could see him joining a team mid-season, the further he gets away from football and games being played, injuries happening and the right offer occurs. I could also see him not playing.”

Despite the way Decker’s exit unfolded, he reportedly still wants to be remembered as a Lion, and even hopes to one day sign a ceremonial contract to retire with the franchise. That kind of long-term identification with one team used to be common. Now, it stands out.

Players frequently finish their careers far from where they started. Short-term deals, late-career ring chases, and roster turnover have become the norm. Decker, at least for now, isn’t fully embracing that path.

What comes next for Decker?

That doesn’t necessarily mean his playing career is over, but it may not follow a typical trajectory. There’s growing belief that Decker could take his time before making a decision, potentially waiting until later in the season when injuries create opportunities for contenders in need of offensive line help.

That approach would allow him to avoid joining a rival and instead land in a situation aligned with his priorities. Plus, potentially compete for a playoff run. It also leaves open the possibility of walking away altogether. At 30-something and with a long, physically demanding career behind him, stepping away rather than compromising on fit wouldn’t be unprecedented.

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