1 position the Lions desperately need to target at trade deadline
Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker has been holding things down for the team on the offensive line for years. He's been one of the NFL's best pass protectors, forming an unstoppable duo between himself and Penei Sewell. Jared Goff owes much of his success since 2023 to their work in the trenches towards protecting him.
Decker, however, is going through a rough 2025 campaign. A shoulder injury has been bogging him down since Week 1, and he returned after two weeks of rest to face off with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7 with some so-so play. It's obvious he's playing through pain, and that's not something the Lions should feel good about headed towards another postseason berth.
It's clear that Detroit should be targeting a left tackle at the deadline. But, the pickings are slim on that front, leaving the Lions with the hard choice to keep playing Decker at the position while subbing in Dan Skipper and a healthy Giovanni Manu eventually.
Lions are stuck between a rock and a hard place with left tackle woes
The options for the Lions on the trade market at left tackle would either cost the team far too much, or wouldn't solve their issues at the position. Braxton Jones is a solid tackle for the Chicago Bears who could be on the trade block, but the Bears and Lions would likely never make that deal with one another.
This is especially so considering Chicago has begun to improve since their slow start to the season, so they're legitimate threats to Detroit in the NFC North.
Another option at tackle generally for the Lions is Jermaine Eluemunor, the New York Giants' right tackle. He's sparsely played snaps at left tackle, so it's hard to imagine that the Lions would take a huge swing here for a tackle if they're not comfortable swapping sides. But, he'd be an excellent get for Detroit who would fit Sewell's timeline, as well.
It just goes to show how invaluable having a solid offensive line is in the NFL. Goff is not a mobile quarterback by any means, so having a clean pocket is imperative to his ability to keep posting MVP-esque numbers with this dynamic offense. The run blocking is also important here, as Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery can't succeed without the blocking from the IOL and the work of Decker and Sewell.
Detroit might feel good about their defense at the deadline, especially since so many key pieces are coming back in November and December. Left tackle is not a position they should feel good about, depth wise, and it's one they should consider making a big swing on at the deadline to help Decker out in his recovery process.
Cameron Ward Hails Jonathan Taylor After Titans’ Loss to Colts
INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Despite a 38–14 defeat at the hands of the Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward was quick to praise the standout performance of Colts running back Jonathan Taylor.
In what has been a season of struggles for the Titans (now 1-7), the 2025 campaign has been a series of learning experiences for the rookie quarterback. However, there was one silver lining in Sunday’s defeat — Ward had a front-row seat to one of the NFL’s top running backs at the peak of his powers.
Taylor, who rushed for 153 yards and two touchdowns while adding a receiving touchdown, was the focal point of a dominant Colts offense that racked up 38 points, further solidifying Indianapolis’ position as one of the league’s top teams. Despite the Titans’ difficulties in slowing him down, Ward didn’t shy away from offering high praise for Taylor’s performance.
"Jonathan is an incredible player. He’s got the vision, the speed, and the power to make any defense look foolish," Ward said after the game. "Even though we came out on the wrong side of the score today, I have to give credit where it's due — he was a game-changer. I’m just hoping we get another shot at him later this season because he’s the type of player you want to challenge yourself against."
It’s a testament to the respect Taylor has earned around the league. The 2024 All-Pro was unstoppable in the first half, dominating both in the run game and as a receiving threat. His 80-yard touchdown run in the second quarter was a prime example of his rare combination of vision, acceleration, and power that has made him one of the most feared backs in the NFL.
The Colts’ offense has been firing on all cylinders this season, and Taylor’s performance was a crucial factor in the team’s 7-1 start. His ability to take over games and control the pace of play has been a significant advantage for Indianapolis, especially as they continue to battle through a number of defensive injuries.
For Ward and the Titans, the loss was another tough blow in what has been a tumultuous year. The Titans are in full rebuild mode, with rookie quarterback Cam Ward still adjusting to the speed and intensity of the NFL. However, Ward’s acknowledgment of Taylor’s brilliance speaks to a broader understanding of the challenge at hand.
"I’m still learning and growing in this league, but playing against a guy like Jonathan makes you understand what it takes to be great," Ward added. "We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us, but that’s the kind of competition I’m excited to face moving forward."
Despite the loss, Ward’s words show maturity beyond his years, recognizing the value in learning from top-tier competition. As the Titans continue to build around their young quarterback, it’s moments like these that will fuel his development — and possibly set the stage for future battles against one of the NFL’s best.
As for Jonathan Taylor, his dominance continues, and with the Colts continuing their push for a playoff spot, opponents like the Titans will have to find a way to stop him — something Ward, in his postgame comments, clearly understands will be no easy feat.
