Turf Show Times
The Los Angeles Rams’ left tackle job is potentially in a state of flux after starter Alaric Jackson was arrested earlier this week. This incident comes mere months after a different domestic issue for Jackson that was reported on in November, not to mention a two-game suspension back in 2024.
This is not a space for determining innocence or guilt regarding the most recent situation. While it plays out, however, there’s at least a chance that Jackson faces more punishment from the NFL, especially since it would be his second offense. With that in mind, from a football perspective, it’s at least worth examining replacement options if Jackson is unavailable for any stretch of games.
One name that popped up earlier this week was Wanya Morris, the former third-round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs who had fallen out of favor with that franchise and requested a trade. The Chiefs obliged and he’s now off the market after being shipped to the Atlanta Falcons (and to be frank, as someone who covered all three of his seasons with the Chiefs, the Rams aren’t missing out on anything special). So, the Rams will need to look elsewhere if they want a fill-in option.
What about Matthew Stafford’s former running mate at left tackle?
Taylor Decker has had a strong career. Ten years in the league, a Pro Bowler in 2024 and a steady presence for both competitive and miserable Detroit Lions campaigns. Notably, as mentioned above, he spent five years in Detroit with Stafford, so there’s a built-in familiarity there.
Decker asked for his release and received it earlier this offseason after he and the Lions couldn’t agree on a new contract. He was scheduled to make over $18 million this year, but he’s dealt with several injuries in recent years, including ones to his shoulder, toe and knee, rendering that cap hit untenable for Detroit.
Still, the veteran left tackle is looking to play in 2026. Matt Dery of the Locked On Lions podcast said earlier this week that Detroit really did want him back at a lower cap hit before Decker turned them down, and a day later said he thinks the former Lion would make sense for the Rams.
“You could put Taylor Decker out there in L.A. to play with his former teammate, Matthew Stafford, and I’m sure Decker would be very, very consistent and solid for the Rams,” Dery said on Tuesday. “Keep an eye on that. Keep an eye on it.”
Finances will obviously play a role here. According to Over The Cap, the Rams currently have $18.8 million in cap space. Decker’s previous $18.2 million number obviously wouldn’t work for Los Angeles, considering the Rams still need to sign first-round pick Ty Simpson and that would eliminate all flexibility going into training camp, which is generally a non-starter. This idea can only work if Decker is willing to budge considerably on that number.
This isn’t an especially unique thought overall, in fact TST community...
