Lions pushed to sign 3-time Super Bowl champion lineman to fill depth void

Offensive tackle depth is a concern for the Detroit Lions, and a veteran three-time Super Bowl champion might be a nice fit.

As the Detroit Lions push toward midseason, thoughts begin to shift to what roster positions could use upgrades.

The Lions have endured many injury concerns through five weeks, and the offensive line has been hit the hardest. Every starter except Penei Sewell has dealt with some kind of ailment, and depth has been tested.

Coming out of Week 5, Bleacher Report pointed to offensive tackle depth as an issue for the Lions. Left tackle Taylor Decker missed two games earlier this season with a right ankle injury, and he may have aggravated the injury in Week 4. Swing tackle Matt Nelson is on IR, so there’s definitely something to the idea.

3-time Super Bowl champion offensive tackle may be nice fit for the Lions

In terms of an “add now” player, Bleacher Report proposed offensive tackle Marcus Cannon.

“The Lions don’t need much as they’ve been really sharp this season. But they could afford to add some depth/an insurance policy at offensive tackle as Taylor Decker missed Weeks 2 and 3 and reportedly aggravated his injured ankle during his return in Week 4. Bringing in Cannon would give Detroit someone who has 11 years of experience to turn to in case of an emergency. It helps that he has played both left and right tackle as well.”

Cannon has played 10 of his 11 NFL seasons with the New England Patriots, and one (2021) with the Houston Texans. He has played both tackle spots in his career, with 124 games and 77 starts on his resume. He was a Second Team AP All Pro in 2016.

Cannon also of course has plenty of playoff experience from his time in New England, with 11 total postseason starts (including two Super Bowls) in his career.

Decker’s missed games earlier this season exposed the issue for the Lions. Sewell moved to left tackle to replace Decker, and while anyone who replaces him on the right side is a natural downgrade the drop-off doesn’t have to be so drastic. Even at 35 years old, Cannon would be an improvement over the current options in case Decker misses more time.