"Their team had just pulled off a nail-biting, walk-off 19-16 win over the Chicago Bears to end their 2025 season. But the two men addressed reporters not with tears of joy, but instead mourning a season that began with the highest of expectations and ended, at 9-8, with Detroit failing to reach the postseason for the first time since 2022."
"Both Decker (shoulder) and Skipper (back) are mulling retirement due to health issues, which would force Detroit to retool an offensive line that struggled mightily in 2025 after losing two key cogs last offseason. Detroit is also actively searching for a new offensive coordinator in the wake of firing John Morton -- brought in to replace the departed Ben Johnson -- after one season."
"Their disappointing 2025 has suddenly thrust the Lions into a pivotal offseason in which they have to make a number of key decisions to help ensure their championship window remains open next season and into the immediate future. And the bill is coming due on a number of key young contributors -- running back Jahmyr Gibbs, tight end Sam LaPorta, linebacker Jack Campbell and safety Brian Branch -- who will be eligible for extensions this offseason."
Tears flowed for veteran Lions linemen Taylor Decker and Dan Skipper after a walk-off 19-16 win that ended a 9-8 2025 season without a playoff berth. Both are considering retirement because of shoulder and back issues, a development that would force an offensive-line rebuild after the unit struggled following offseason losses. Detroit fired offensive coordinator John Morton after one season and is searching for a replacement. Several young contributors — Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, Jack Campbell and Brian Branch — will be eligible for contract extensions, creating important roster and cap decisions during a pivotal offseason.
Read at ESPN.com
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