Dan Skipper Retires: What It Means for the Lions' Offensive Line Depth
After years of grinding it out in the trenches, Dan Skipper is officially hanging up the cleats. The veteran offensive tackle, a familiar face in Detroit’s locker room and a fan favorite for his grit and versatility, has announced his retirement from the NFL.
Skipper’s journey in the league was never a straight line. His career was defined by persistence - bouncing between active rosters and practice squads, signing reserve deals, and fighting for every snap. For the Lions, he became a dependable depth piece, especially when the injury bug hit the offensive line hard this past season.
In 2025, Skipper was thrust into action more than once, often stepping in for Taylor Decker when the longtime left tackle was sidelined. While he didn’t lock down a starting role, Skipper was regularly used in jumbo packages - those extra beefy formations designed to muscle out short-yardage gains. The results didn’t always show up on the stat sheet, but his presence added a layer of flexibility to Detroit’s offensive looks.
And let’s not forget one of the more memorable moments of his career: the big-man touchdown against the Buffalo Bills in 2024. That play - a classic wrinkle from then-offensive coordinator Ben Johnson - is the kind of highlight that cements a lineman’s legacy in the hearts of fans. Skipper wasn’t just a fill-in; he was a part of the Lions’ personality.
What Skipper’s Retirement Means for Detroit
Financially, this move doesn’t change much for the Lions. Skipper was set to hit free agency at the end of the 2025 season, so there are no cap implications. But from a depth perspective, it’s a different story.
With Skipper gone, Detroit loses a trusted backup tackle - someone who knew the system, could slide in when needed, and brought veteran experience to the offensive line room. That’s especially important considering Taylor Decker’s own future is uncertain. If Decker were to retire as well, the Lions would suddenly find themselves with a glaring hole on the left side of the line.
Right now, Giovanni Manu is the next man up behind Decker. The rookie has potential, no doubt, but he’s still a developmental player - raw and not quite ready to shoulder the responsibility of protecting Jared Goff’s blind side. Even GM Brad Holmes, who’s known for betting on upside, would admit that thrusting Manu into a starting role this early would be a major risk.
What Comes Next?
If Decker sticks around for another season, the Lions can afford to be a bit more patient with their tackle depth. But if he joins Skipper in retirement, Detroit will need to act fast. That could mean dipping into free agency for a veteran stopgap, exploring trade options, or - more likely - using premium draft capital to bring in a long-term solution.
This year’s draft class offers some intriguing talent at tackle. Names like Francis Mauigoa, Spencer Fano, and Kadyn Proctor are already generating buzz as potential first-rounders.
The Lions, with their ascending roster and playoff aspirations, can’t afford to whiff on this pick. They’ve built a team that’s ready to win now - but that only works if the offensive line stays one of its strengths.
Skipper’s retirement marks the end of a unique NFL journey - one that was never flashy, but always valuable. For Detroit, it’s a reminder that depth matters, especially in the trenches. Now, the front office has to make sure they’re ready for whatever comes next.