2026 NFL free agency preview: Even with Decker returning, Lions could use OT depth
The NFL’s negotiating window for pending free agents opens on March 9, and players will be eligible to sign with new teams on March 11 at 4 p.m.
Ahead of those dates, we’ll preview each position, looking at the top options expected to hit the market, the Detroit Lions’ pending free agents, plus three outside players who could be fits.
Today, we’ll be looking at the offensive tackles.
Quick overview
The Lions got some welcomed news last week when left tackle Taylor Decker announced his intention to hold off retirement and play another season. That solves at least one of Detroit’s immediate problems up front.
However, a short-term need for insurance persists, given how uncooperative Decker’s shoulder was last season, not to mention the long-term replacement, which would be best filled through the draft.
Meanwhile, the right bookend is in good hands for the foreseeable future with Penei Sewell, although the door remains open to flip him to the blindside once Decker steps away. That’s worth noting because it gives the Lions flexibility with how they approach the big picture this offseason.
In terms of depth, veteran swing tackle Dan Skipper was driven to retirement by injury, while Jamarco Jones is headed toward free agency after suffering a torn Achilles ahead of last year’s season opener.
Giovanni Manu remains in the mix. It’s time for the 2024 fourth-round pick to round the developmental corner after seeing his first playing time last year. He should have the opportunity to compete for the top backup job, with an opportunity to plant his flag for a starting consideration in 2027.
Top players available
Rasheed Walker
A seventh-round pick out of Penn State in 2022, Walker has developed into a quality starter in Green Bay since taking over for David Bakhtiari in 2023. Walker is a better pass protector than run blocker, allowing just eight sacks the past two seasons.
Braden Smith
When healthy, Smith is a really good right tackle who has had several dominant seasons as a run blocker, while allowing just 5.0 sacks across 45 games the past three seasons. His value is anchored by durability concerns. He’s finished four of the past five seasons on injured reserve, including last season, when he sat out the final few weeks with a neck injury and concussion.
Jermaine Eluemunor
A versatile lineman, having also started games at left tackle and right guard during his nine-year career, Eluemunor’s most extensive work has come at right tackle, including 16 starts for the Giants last season. He’s a solid pass protector, but struggles with penalties, drawing 24 flags the past two seasons.
Braxton Jones
A fifth-round pick in 2022, Jones earned the starting blindside job as a rookie. He's steadily improved as a pass protector and delivered solid returns in the ground game while making 44 starts across the past four seasons.
However, he's missed extensive time due to injuries the past three seasons, and was benched early last season for sagging performance in his first year playing under Ben Johnson. Those factors could hurt Jones’ value.
Jonah Williams
A former first-round pick for Cincinnati, Williams allowed double-digit sacks in his second and third seasons. He signed with Arizona in 2024, but was limited to 15 games across the past two seasons due to knee and shoulder injuries.
Williams has logged over 5,000 snaps in his career, including more than 2,000 at both left and right tackle.
Detroit’s pending free agents
Jamarco Jones
A former reserve who started a handful of games in Seattle, Jones spent the 2024 season on Detroit’s practice squad. After a strong showing in training camp last year, he earned a chance to be the top backup, but the plan was derailed by a torn Achilles ahead of the opener.
Potential outside fits
Jonah Williams
Even with the injury history and inconsistent performance, it wouldn’t be surprising to see some team give the 28-year-old Williams an opportunity to start. However, if the market proves skeptical, his versatility and connection to incoming Detroit coordinator Drew Petzing would make Williams an appealing, high-end backup.
Joesph Noteboom
Drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round when Lions general manager Brad Holmes was the franchise’s college scouting director, Noteboom was in and out of the team’s starting lineup from 2018-24.
He never delivered on a three-year, $40 million extension he signed in 2022, in large part due to injury. Allowed to walk in free agency, he signed a far more modest one-year, $2 million pact with the Ravens last year.
Noteboom has played snaps at all four tackle and guard positions, with most of his work coming at left tackle. He’s a better run blocker than pass protector, and could be a low-cost swing tackle option.
Jamaree Salyer
Another versatile depth option, Salyer has seen more reps at right guard than any spot during his fourth-year career. Still, there’s plenty of work at tackle, including more than 1,000 snaps as a rookie and five starts on the blindside to close out last season.
Lacking a dominant skill, his versatility, experience, durability and age are some of Salyer’s draws.
While it might be temporarily satisfying to see Decker back, I seriously doubt they will get $20 million worth of play out of him. While the overall talent level has escalated, we find the Lions almost back to 2021-22 status where there are still too many holes to fill...and less money available to get more talent. Then again, the real key is health. The Lions have had little luck in that area for decades.
Great piece!