The Detroit Lions made headlines yesterday, inking OT Taylor Decker to a mammoth contract extension, with $37.5 million guaranteed.
It certainly goes to show the great faith that the team that drafted him with their 1st round selection in the 2016 Draft out of Ohio State has in him.
During a virtual Zoom meeting with media members this morning, head coach Matt Patricia spoke at length about his thoughts of the extension, as well as the kind of player that Decker has been developing into.
“I’ll say this as a player as a member of our team – I’ve seen so much growth over the last few years and his ability to get better at the position, more consistent and his technique, his leadership is outstanding,” Patricia said. “He’s been a consistent guy at the offense line, and his football knowledge has increased.
Decker was entering the final year of his rookie deal, and has started 55 of a potential 64 games since making his NFL debut in 2016. The Lions are pleased with his development both on and off the field, especially in recent weeks after Decker took a central role in leading the team’s peaceful protest for social justice.
“Just overall improvement by him each year, and I think he’s having a great camp, working hard,” Patricia continued. “I couldn’t be happier for him in general with his development as a player and everything that goes along as part of his future.”
“Every day I get a chance to work for him it’s been great, I’m really excited about it.”
