The Chicago Bears have become a very popular mentioned landing spot for former Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker. The longtime Detroit starting tackle is looking for a new team this spring after the Lions released him in March.
Decker going to Chicago would be a tough blow for Lions fans. But Pro Football Sports Network’s Jacob Infante offered a much more favorable outcome, at least from a Detroit fan’s perspective, for Decker this week.
On May 4, Infante predicted the left tackle to sign with the Miami Dolphins.
“Taylor Decker’s grading by PFSN’s OL Impact Scoring has been in average starter territory each of the last two seasons, which makes sense why the Lions cut him to free cap space with his hefty contract,” wrote Infante. “He would still be an upgrade at left tackle over a handful of teams across the NFL.”
With the Dolphins, he could offer an upgrade over Patrick Paul. The former second-round pick may enter training camp as Miami’s starter at left tackle.
Could Taylor Decker Land With Miami Dolphins?
Interestingly, Lions media didn’t necessarily react positively to the possibility of Decker signing with the Dolphins.
Fansided’s Detroit Jock City’s Ernesto Cova called Miami a destination that “sets [Decker] up for failure.” Side Lion Report’s Brad Berreman’s identified the possibility of Decker landing with the Dolphins as a “slap in the face.”
However, Berreman also stated that Decker may have “grossly miscalculated” his value on the NFL free agent market.
Still, it’s hard to argue it’s not better for the Lions if Decker signs with the Dolphins than Bears. Detroit’s division rival, who won the NFC North last season, could also use an upgrade at left tackle.
Not that Chicago or Miami are Decker’s only choices. The Dolphins just emerged as the latest possibility while pundits have repeatedly touted the Bears as the best landing spot for Decker this offseason.
In Miami, Decker would join a Dolphins roster that possesses just four official tackles on their offseason roster. In addition to Paul, Miami has Carter Warren, Austin Jackson and Charlie Heck listed as tackles.
Surprises happen every year in the NFL. But pundits have predicted the Dolphins to be bad enough in 2026 to contend for the No. 1 overall pick in next year’s draft.
Projecting Decker’s Market Value in 2026
The Detroit Free Press’s Dave Birkett reported on March 6 the Lions asked Decker to take a pay cut. Unwilling to budge on his pay, Decker requested to be released.
The left tackle explained on social media he asked to be cut to get a “clean and amicable close” to his Lions tenure.
The Lions have made replacing Decker a significant goal since his release. All-Pro Penei Sewell will replace Decker directly, as he will flip from right to left tackle. In NFL free agency, the Lions signed Larry Borom as a potential right tackle starter.
But the team also selected offensive tackle Blake Miller at No. 17 overall in the first round.
Meanwhile, Decker remains unsigned in free agency. Not that he won’t also get a great situation for the 2026 season, but it hasn’t happened yet.
Spotrac projected the veteran left tackle’s market value to be $42.7 million on a 2-year contract.
At this point in the offseason, it’s doubtful he gets that amount. Maybe he could still command $15-20 million on a yearly basis. But to play in 2026, it strongly appears as though Decker will need to sign a 1-year deal.
New NFL Landing Spot Potentially Emerges for Former Lions’ Taylor Decker