Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker had been waiting all offseason to get a long-term deal done heading into the 2020 NFL season. It appears his patience has finally paid off.

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Lions and Decker have agreed to a six-year, $85 million extension that includes $37.5 million guaranteed.

Decker was initially slated to play out the option year from his rookie contract this season. However, both sides were open about their mutual interest in a long-term future. Unfortunately, the restrictions placed in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic have offered up its own set of challenges for teams trying to get lucrative deals done this offseason.

Decker was the first draft pick general manger Bob Quinn's made after taking him No. 16 overall in 2016. He has since emerged as a cornerstone of this offensive line as the blindside protector for franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford. Regardless, there are still those that feel Detroit would have been better off searching the market for a replacement as opposed to paying big money for a player that has not even come close to making a Pro Bowl.

The NFL is already bracing itself for the looming financial repercussions of playing this season amid the ongoing pandemic. The salary cap is expected to take a major hit and teams like the Lions could be strapped for cash. However, this did not stop them from trying to maintain some continuity along the offensive line and it should pay some dividends for Stafford in the 2020 campaign.