Why Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions free agent are a perfect match

Why Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions free agent are a perfect match originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Kansas City Chiefs have question marks along the offensive line ahead of the 2026 campaign and a Detroit Lions free agent might be the perfect fit to address it.

That Lions free agent is left tackle Taylor Decker, who was linked to the Chiefs in an article by Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano.

The reason why Decker and the Chiefs are a match made in heaven has to do with the uncertainty surrounding Kansas City’s projected starting offensive tackle duo, Josh Simmons and Jaylon Moore.

“If Decker wants to play in his age-33 season, it might be wise for him to join a contender and wait for an opportunity to develop,” Manzano wrote.

“Last month, I mentioned the Ravens, but perhaps there’s a better path toward playing with the Chiefs, who are relying on bookend tackles Jaylon Moore, who has never been a full-time starter in five seasons, and Josh Simmons, who appeared in only eight games as a rookie,” he added.

Decker was cut loose by the Lions earlier this offseason after the veteran requested to be released.

The long-time Lions starter wasn’t thrilled about the team wanting him to take a pay cut, which is what led to his request.

Decker did have a down season in 2025, but he was also battling through a shoulder injury, so decline might not be the best explanation.

Even knowing that, Decker was still solid.

Pro Football Focus recorded two sacks and 33 pressures for Decker over 14 games. He recorded grades of 69.5 in pass-blocking and 62.1 in run-blocking.

Now compare those numbers to Simmons and Moore and you can see why the Chiefs should be interested.

Simmons gave up two sacks and 18 pressures in eight games while recording grades of 75.5 in pass-blocking and 48.1 in run-blocking.

Moore played in 15 games (six starts) and surrendered three sacks and 27 pressures and posted grades of 57.1 in pass-blocking and 62.9 in run-blocking, respectively.

With the Chiefs looking to rebound in 2026, and with Patrick Mahomes coming back from a torn ACL, Kansas City needs to fortify its offensive line.

Decker gives the Chiefs a good chance to do that, whether he plays at left or right tackle.

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