The Lions have a big decision forthcoming on Taylor Decker, their 2016 first-round pick, but the two sides are in no rush to get there.
While they've begun talks on an extension, Decker said Thursday, "Nothing major. I mean, obviously, 'Hey, we like you. We like you,' sort of thing. But nothing major."
Detroit's left tackle is entering the final season of his rookie contract, which will pay him $10.35 million in 2020. While his play has been up-and-down since his standout debut season, the Lions seem inclined to lock him up long term.
In theory, that would give them two bookends on the offensive line in Decker and right tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai, plus an anchor at center in Frank Ragnow. Given the value of his position, Decker can expect a contract worth about $15 million per year.
Bob Quinn and the Lions like to get such extensions hammered out before the season begins, so an agreement could come later this summer. For now, amid an unusual offseason, Decker is sitting tight.
"Obviously I know it's on the horizon, but not really something that's been in the forefront of my mind," he said. "It's something obviously that's coming along in the future. It's going to be important to me, but whenever that happens, it happens. I leave that to my agent. That's why he gets paid. And then I just take care of being a good football player."
Decker added the coronavirus has made communication difficult, which figures to slow contract talks moving forward.
"So far there's been a lot of challenges with the whole quarantine, Zoom meetings, coaches not being in the buildings, us not being able to travel back. So I'm sure that's going to present challenges for that process," he said.
For Decker, the quarantine hasn't been so bad. He's spent the offseason at his home in Arizona, working out with a number of fellow offensive linemen and putting in the usual work at his gym, which has remained open throughout the pandemic.
It's likely part of the reason he doesn't have any concerns about playing through the virus, if and when the season begins.
"I don't know if this is the politically correct thing to say, but I'm not really worried about it personally," Decker said. "I mean, it's pretty simple to me, I'm not worried about it personally. Because I'm out here in Arizona by myself right now, so I don't have elderly or kids around me."
Decker did say he'll take whatever precautions are necessary to protect others, "because that's just the right thing to do," but reiterated he's "not concerned" about contracting the virus himself.
The NFL is still planning on opening training camps in late July.
