Former Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker and the Chicago Bears are apparently a match made in heaven this offseason. Because as NFL free agency approaches the end of its second month, there continues to be chatter about Decker joining Detroit’s division rival.
Pro Football Focus’s Bradley Locker is the latest NFL writer to link Decker and the Bears. Locker named Chicago the “ideal landing spot” for the ex-Lions Pro Bowl left tackle.
“Even though Decker’s 67.9 overall PFF grade was his lowest since 2017, he allowed only three hits and two sacks along 525 opportunities. Further, Decker’s pass-blocking efficiency score has never ended below 96.0, indicating his reliability in pass protection,” wrote Locker.
“It’s a bit surprising that Decker hasn’t already reunited with former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson considering that Trapilo could miss most or all of 2026 due to his ruptured patella tendon suffered in the playoffs. Even though the Bears do have possible starters in Braxton Jones, Theo Benedet and Jedrick Wills Jr., the decorated veteran Decker would be a meaningful upgrade with few strings attached.”
Decker started 140 games at left tackle for the Lions over 10 years. The team selected him in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Decker was the No. 16 overall pick.
He made the Pro Bowl for the team in 2024.
On March 6, the left tackle requested Detroit to release him. The Lions fulfilled the request three days later.
Will Taylor Decker Sign With Chicago Bears?
Pundits have repeatedly named the Bears a potential destination for Decker over the past two months.
That union would make sense. Former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is entering his second season as Bears head coach in 2026.
Over the past week alone, USA Today’s Bears Wire’s Mike Pendleton suggested Chicago should be in the offensive tackle market with Decker on the team’s short list.
“Theo Benedet, Braxton Jones, and Jedrick Willis are all expected to compete for the starting left tackle spot as Ozzy Trapilo recovers from a ruptured patella tendon,” wrote Pendleton. “None of the aforementioned names bring a high-level of comfort and confidence, so insert Taylor Decker, who has plenty of familiarity with Bears head coach Ben Johnson dating back to their days with the Detroit Lions.”
Johnson coached in Detroit for six seasons. He served as Decker’s offensive coordinator with the Lions from 2022-24.
How the Lions Will Replace Decker
Detroit has dedicated a lot of resources this offseason to try and replace Decker.
All-Pro Penei Sewell will be Decker’s direct replacement at left tackle. Sewell started at right tackle to begin his career in Detroit. General manager Brad Holmes confirmed after the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft that Sewell will flip to left tackle next season.
At No. 17 overall in the first round, the Lions grabbed Blake Miller in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Lions also signed veteran offensive tackle Larry Borom this offseason. The veteran tackle was a candidate to start opposite Sewell before the Miller selection. But Borom will likely now serve as the team’s swing tackle with Miller starting at right tackle.
Although the team officially lists them as offensive linemen, Giovanni Manu, Devin Cochran and Mason Miller are the other offensive tackles on Detroit’s offseason roster.
With Sewell and Miller, the Lions appear to be in good hands at tackle. But it would be tough for Detroit fans to see Decker in navy and orange should he sign with the Bears.
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