The Detroit Lions took care of some major business with less than two weeks remaining until their opener against the Chicago Bears.
According to upstart agency AMDG Sports, their client Taylor Decker has inked a six-year, $85 million contract with the Lions. It guarantees the left tackle $37.5 million at signing.
A first-round pick of the Lions back in 2016, Decker has started all 55 games in which he’s appeared in four seasons. He’s been among the most consistent blindside protectors around the NFL during that time, playing at a Pro Bowl level in the process.
This move is meant to give the Lions more continuity up front with star quarterback Matthew Stafford returning from a back injury that cost him the final half of the 2019 campaign.
It’s also a continuation of offensive tackles getting paid big time around the NFL.
Offensive tackle contracts taking off around the NFL
As you will see below, the offensive tackle market has taken off big time. It’s one of the primary reasons Decker was able to net $14.2 million annually from the Lions.
- Laremy Tunsil, Houston Texans: $22 million
- Lane Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles: $18 million
- Anthony Castonzo, Indianapolis Colts: $16.5 million
- Trent Brown, Las Vegas Raiders: $16.5 million
- Taylor Lewan, Tennessee Titans: $16 million
It sure does pay to be able to pass protect in today’s NFL.