Detroit Lions sign tackle Taylor Decker to three-year extension for $60 million

The Detroit Lions are re-upping on their commitment to offensive tackle Taylor Decker, according to multiple reports. Decker is signing a new three-year contract extension worth $60 million, including $31.83 million guaranteed. The former Ohio State star was entering the final year of his previous deal and was set to make just $13.7 million. Instead, he’ll get a raise and an extension that keeps him with the team through the 2027 season.

A former first-round draft pick for the Lions out of Ohio State, Decker has started all 112 games that he’s played in the league so far. The team selected him 16th overall in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft and the selection has paid off for them so far.

Last season, Decker helped lead the Lions to the playoffs and a divisional title. As an offensive line unit, Decker and his teammates allowed 30 sacks on quarterback Jared Goff as the team went 12-5 in the regular season.

The former Buckeyes star had previously signed a four-year deal with Detroit for $60 million. His rookie contract was for four years, $10.96 million. After his third season, the Lions opted to exercise the fifth-year option on Decker’s rookie deal, which was worth $10.35 million. His new contract makes him one of the highest-paid offensive tackles in the league. Decker will turn 31 next month.

Lions lose kicker to hamstring tear

The Detroit Lions made it through just one day of training camp before the injury bug hit them Thursday. Kicker Michael Badgley suffered a season-ending leg injury while warming up for practice on Thursday, leading to the Lions placing him on injured reserve.

Badgley, a former undrafted free agent out of Miami, is in his third season with the Lions. With him out, the team will likely bring in kickers to try out through training camp and the preseason. Detroit has one other kicker on the roster, former Arkansas kickoff specialist Jake Bates.

According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, Badgley suffered a torn hamstring. That puts his recovery timeline at roughly half a year. Last season, he played in four games, knocking through four field goals and 13-of-15 extra point attempts.

During the 2022 season, Badgley had 24 field goal attempts in 12 games, hitting 20 through the uprights. He also went a perfect 33-for-33 on extra-point attempts.

Before joining the Lions for the 2022 season, Badgley had played for four other teams. He began his NFL career with the Los Angeles Chargers. He kicked for three seasons before moving to the Titans, then the Colts and Bears.