Lions Have Been ‘Sniffing Hard’ Around Free Agent OTs

Detroit’s front office is turning over every stone along the offensive tackle market, according to NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah, who told reporters on his pre-Scouting Combine conference call that the Lions have been “sniffing hard” at the upcoming free-agent class. The observation, relayed by Jeff Risdon, underscores a potential pivot point on the franchise’s offensive line.

With right tackle Penei Sewell entrenched as a building block, the other side of the line carries far more uncertainty. Left tackle Taylor Decker is scheduled to count $21.048 million against the 2026 salary cap; releasing him would free $17.9 million, giving Detroit flexibility to reshape the position.

The external market, however, is thin. Only three veteran tackles—Green Bay’s Rasheed Walker, Chicago’s Braxton Jones, and Indianapolis’ Braden Smith—cracked the Top-100 free-agents list for 2026.

Walker, 25, is the youngest of the trio. A seventh-round pick out of Penn State in 2022, he just completed a four-year rookie deal worth $3.74 million. He started 16 of 17 appearances for the Packers in 2025 and ranked 53rd among 84 qualifying tackles in Pro Football Focus grades.

Jones, 26, was a fifth-round selection in the same draft out of Southern Utah. He made four starts in six games last season and will not hit unrestricted free agency until 2026, as he is still under his original four-year, $3.96 million contract.

Smith, 29, carries the most pedigree and the heaviest price tag. A 2018 second-round pick, he signed a four-year, $70 million extension after his rookie deal and started every game he played in 2025. PFF graded him 50th of 89 qualifying tackles.

Should Detroit opt for a younger, cheaper solution in April’s draft, Jeremiah singled out Georgia’s Monroe Freeling as a first-round target he “likes a lot,” per Risdon. Whether the Lions ultimately shop in free agency, the draft, or both, the message from the combine is clear: Detroit is doing its homework on every potential answer at left tackle.