Former Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker has yet to land with a new team after being released by the Lions ahead of free agency. The lineman has only ever played for Detroit, having been drafted by the team all the way back in 2016.
He saw all the highs and lows of the Lions' journey back to relevance, but his time had to come to an end with questions swirling about his health for 2026 and beyond, and about how much money he'd be worth paying given those potential injury woes.
There are still a few teams with needs at tackle, and one has stood out for PFF writer Bradley Locker: the Chicago Bears.
Bradley wrote of this potential fit:
"It’s a bit surprising that Decker hasn’t already reunited with former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson considering that [Ozzy] 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."
PFF writer thinks Decker fits like a glove with Lions rival
The only issue with this logic? Decker's already said he wouldn't sign with an NFC North team. From back in April, and after an interview between Decker and Detroit Football Network's Justin Rogers:
“I will tell you that he’s pretty anti-playing for the Bears and Packers. That’s the Lions background. I know Ben Johnson did it and that was the right situation for him, but Taylor feels kinda dirty about the idea. It just isn’t interesting to him.”
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Talk about remaining loyal.
So, while that fit for him from a roster-perspective does make a ton of sense, it just doesn't seem to be in the cards barring a huge pivot in thinking from Decker. Perhaps he begins to grow more upset about how his tenure with the Lions ended, seeking to get some sort of revenge on Detroit by joining their most competitive rival for the NFC North title in 2026.
We won't know until the second wave of free agency really kicks up, but for now, Decker is patiently awaiting his next NFL playing opportunity. And, it doesn't seem to be waiting for him in Chicago.
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