With free agency less than a month away, the Detroit Lions are facing pressing questions about their offensive line, especially the left tackle position. As the league year begins on March 11, general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell must evaluate which players fit into their plans, but uncertainty remains due to questions around who will start in 2026.
The left tackle spot remains a major area of concern after Taylor Decker considered retirement following last season, while Giovanni Manu, entering his third year, has yet to prove he is ready to contribute significantly. The uncertainty grew when Jeff Risdon from the Detroit Lions Podcast relayed that NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah mentioned the Lions have shown strong interest in free agent offensive tackles during a recent conference call.
Potential Role for Trey Pipkins if Left Tackle Vacancy Persists
Trey Pipkins, currently a free agent guard for the Los Angeles Chargers, emerges as a possible solution amid these uncertainties. As a 2019 third-round draft pick, Pipkins has mainly played tackle, including a shift to right tackle in 2023 after Rashawn Slater’s season-ending injury. His performance last year saw a 49.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, conceding 30 pressures and four sacks on 396 pass-block snaps, a reflection of some challenges. However, Pipkins did start at left tackle early in his rookie year, showing versatility that could prove valuable to the Lions in providing quality depth.
Although his career totals include 31 allowed sacks over four seasons, signing Pipkins alone is unlikely to mark the Lions’ final approach at left tackle. If Decker opts to return for an 11th season, he could offer a veteran presence, but planning for the future remains necessary, likely through the upcoming draft.
Daniel Jeremiah, as referenced by Risdon, expressed being “a pretty big fan” of Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling as a potential 17th overall pick for Detroit. The Athletic’s Colton Pouncey also projected Freeling to the Lions, describing him as someone who
“looks the part of a franchise tackle”
and noting his connection to Tate Ratledge, another Bulldog who already anchors their offensive line.
Importance of Veteran Support for Incoming Rookie Tackles
The Lions’ draft interest in tackles like Freeling highlights the need for strong guidance on the offensive line. A rookie left tackle would benefit from mentorship, ideally from a veteran such as Decker. If Decker retires or cannot provide that veteran stability, Pipkins, with his experience at multiple tackle positions and guard, could fill a critical role as both competition and backup.
Market estimates from Spotrac value Pipkins around $5 million, a figure that could fit into Detroit’s strategy of signing him to compete for a starting job. Should he struggle, he would still offer quality depth to a unit that struggled with injuries last season.
While not an ideal marquee signing, Pipkins’ availability offers the Lions a pragmatic option to bolster their offensive line amid uncertain circumstances. Teams often let offensive tackles enter free agency for various reasons, but the Lions seem poised to seek competition and depth at left tackle, making Pipkins a sensible candidate.
DJ also dropped that the Lions have been sniffing hard around the FA OTs
— Jeff Risdon (@JeffRisdon) February 19, 2026
On the Daniel Jeremiah conference call and he's a pretty big fan of Monroe Freeling to Detroit at 17. Loves that mom is a yoga instructor.
— Jeff Risdon (@JeffRisdon) February 19, 2026
