When the Detroit Lions selected Giovanni Manu with their fourth round pick back in 2024, he was seen as a project selection.
The Canadian tackle could be an insurance policy to lean on behind Taylor Decker, and one that was eventually developed into a starter with Decker beginning to grow long in the tooth.
We’ve now hit the point in that plan where Decker is considering a retirement ahead of the 2026 season. And, Manu has shown no sign of being able to step in for Decker in case of that happening. That’s a huge blow to general manager Brad Holmes’ long-term planning for the Lions’ offensive line, and he’s well aware of that.
“I’m not sure what Decker’s going to decide to do, but that’s not only something that’ll have to be urgent this offseason, but it’s been urgent in the past. We drafted Manu as a developmental guy, expecting it’d take a few years before he took some steps forward. But it’d be irresponsible to be like, we drafted a develop. guy, and he’s going to be the guy. It sometimes just doesn’t work out as well as we want to,” said Holmes to the media following the end of the 2025 season.
Now, with the 2026 NFL Draft approaching, it feels all but certain that Manu’s days are numbered.
Manu could be on his way off the Lions ahead of 2026 NFL Draft
Manu’s currently under contract until 2027, but his cap hit is insignificant. Still, the Lions might be looking to cut him after of training camp to save just over $1 million against their cap, especially if they land a tackle in this year’s draft that is actually ready to start.
There are a few names that Detroit are likely to be prioritizing in the draft for this purpose, like Kadyn Proctor, Gennings Dunker, Spencer Fano, and Caleb Lomu, to name a few. Most of these players are expected to start their rookie seasons. Proctor is seen as more of a backup in Year 1.
Still, if Manu’s been given two seasons now to develop behind the seasons, and has nothing but injuries to show for it, it might be time to finally cut him. Holmes has to be okay with accepting the blown pick, especially with such a tackle-rich draft this year.
The Lions simply can’t afford to waste time seeing what Manu has to offer as a starter if they’re already saying “it sometimes just doesn’t work out as well as we want” regarding him.
