In a mock draft, Ian Valentino of The 33rd Team predicted that the Lions would release tackle Taylor Decker this summer and replace him with one of the best lineman coming out of college. Decker is entering the final year of his deal at the same time that the organization must make contract decisions for quarterback Jared Goff and receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Valentino speculated that the Lions may split ways with Decker early to avoid a significant cap cost.
Lions Could Consider BYU Tackle
Valentin stated that there is already speculation that the Lions may part ways with Decker owing to his looming $19 million cap cost, and claimed that BYU tackle Kingsley Suamataia could be a possibility for the Lions with the No. 29 overall choice in the 2018 NFL Draft.
“There’s more buzz around the Detroit Lions replacing Taylor Decker’s huge $19.1 million cap hit than anticipated, considering his talent,” Valentino said in a statement.
“If Detroit wants to sell Decker this summer, Kingsley Suamataia must be considered here. Suamataia is a prospect similar to Decker in that he gets the job done most of the time and relies on outstanding tools to win.
Decker has been an offensive line stalwart since joining the Lions as a first-round draft pick in 2016, starting 112 games in total. The veteran lineman has stated that he wants to stay in Detroit, but his salary will likely be the deciding factor.
“Of course you want money, but I enjoy being here. “I enjoy being here,” Decker told MLive.com’s Kyle Meinke.”Ultimately, do I want to stay here forever? One hundred percent. So, we shall see.”
Jared Goff’s extension might cost $200 million.
The Lions have made headway on extending Goff’s contract, which has one year remaining and is set to pay $27.9 million next season. According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, the Lions are expected to extend Goff’s contract this offseason and have made headway in negotiations with his representatives.
After leading the Lions to their first NFC Championship game in three decades, Goff is fully supported by the team’s coaching staff and front office.
“I’ve said it before, but I believe Jared Goff is a winning quarterback,” Lions coach Dan Campbell stated. “You can win in this league with that person, which is not true for many other players. So I’m delighted he’s here, glad he’s ours, and you could argue that he’s matured more than many of the players we’ve had. People may not always see it, but he has, man. It’s a compliment to a player who has only been in this league for a short time but has continued to progress.”
According to Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, the extension is expected to be huge, with CBS commentator Boomer Esiason expecting a four-year, $200 million contract.
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