Rams could avert disaster by offering Taylor Decker a chance he's never had

Alaric Jackson Jr. has thrust the Los Angeles Rams into confusion and uncertainty at what was supposed to be a position of total security and comfort. As he faces felony domestic violence allegations, the roster may be without its starting left tackle to begin the year. Reuniting former Lions offensive lineman Taylor Decker with Matthew Stafford in Los Angeles has gone from something on no one's mind at all to a possibility that should be lurking in even the most cautious fan's subconscious. 

Decker's release saved the Lions $11.6 million in cap space, per Spotrac. It was more about money than performance. Even at age 32, the 10-year veteran graded out above average according to Pro Football Focus, ranking 41st among 89 qualified tackles. He is only two years removed from a Pro Bowl selection. 

Decker might be a fairly expensive insurance policy, but the Rams have a reason to consider it nonetheless. A suspension for Jackson could pull the rug out from under the offensive line ahead of a Super Bowl-hopeful season. And they have a clear pitch to offer Decker in exchange for a discount: chasing a championship with Stafford like he never had the chance to in Detroit.

Taylor Decker makes more sense for Rams than you might think

The Lions lost in the Wild Card Round in Decker's rookie season and never returned to the playoffs while Stafford stuck around. With the Rams able to surround the future Hall of Famer with a passable supporting cast, he slipped a ring around his finger his very first season in Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, Detroit built its own Super Bowl-worthy roster in Stafford's absence. Decker was part of an NFC Championship run in 2023 and a cog on the following year's 15-2 squad. The only thing missing, aside from actually hoisting a Lombardi Trophy, was chasing one with Stafford, his quarterback for the first five seasons of his career.

Faced with an ever-constricting salary cap, the Lions cut ties with Decker one season into a three-year, $60 million extension. No doubt he will still seek a healthy paycheck in free agency. Spotrac projects his market value at two years for $42.65 million. 

Perhaps Decker would consider a pay cut to join the Rams on a one-year deal. He has already made over $101 million as a pro. This would easily be his best shot, and maybe his last, at winning some jewelry. If the Rams get out to a big lead in the NFC title game, you can bet Stafford won't let it slip away (sorry, Lions fans, the dig remains irresistible). 

Waiting to see if the hammer comes down on Jackson jeopardizes everything this team has done to set up an all-in run. Blockbuster trades for Trent McDuffie and Myles Garrett could fall by the wayside if the offensive line struggles. 

There are too many questions for the Rams to simply sit on their hands. Jackson could face a minimum six-game ban at season's start. Depending on how his legal situation develops, the organization may decide to move on altogether. 

Is Keagen Trost ready for a starting role? Maybe, but that's admittedly asking a lot and will take training camp and the preseason to find out. 

While Decker is no longer in his prime, he's probably a more reliable option than a third-round rookie. On top of that, Stafford has a lot more experience working with Decker, and vice versa, than he does with Trost. If the Horns can lure him in without breaking the bank, they might look to do so sooner rather than later.

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