LT Taylor Decker detailed communication issues that led to his Lions exit.
In an article by Detroit Football Network’s Justin Rogers, Decker provided his timeline of the events that led to him requesting his release earlier this month. Most notably, Decker, who will turn 33 in August, was irked when the Lions asked him to take a pay cut after he announced on social media that he was returning for next season during the NFL combine. Decker believes it was made clear in his exit interview days after the end of the regular season that the Lions wanted him back as the starting left tackle and that he wouldn’t take a pay cut. Once the Lions asked him to take a pay cut, he considered the idea only for a few minutes before rejecting it. Decker told Rogers his interpretation of the pay cut request was that it was the Lions’ way of telling him he’s not the guy anymore after 10 years of starting at left tackle in Detroit. Still unsigned, Decker is mentally ready and physically confident he can play another season, though it’s still unclear if he will play. If he does, Decker could find a new team in the post-draft wave of free agency.