After Taylor Decker's release from a $60 million deal, the former Lions tackle is drawing interest from teams needing protection. The Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns have emerged as early suitors.

Two weeks after he was released, the market for Taylor Decker is starting to take shape, as two teams are already eyeing him. Both the Cleveland Browns and the Chicago Bears are being linked as his potential landing spots, in need of a left tackle.

“While there aren’t many teams lacking a left tackle at this point in the offseason, the Chicago Bears would provide Decker with a perfect pairing,” reported Kristopher Knox of the Bleacher Report.

Set to enter Year 2 of his $60 million deal, Taylor Decker was not expecting a crossroads this soon. But when the Detroit Lions pushed for a pay cut, talks quickly stalled.

The Bears are in a fix and need immediate assistance for their left tackle, as their left tackle, Ozzy Trapilo, suffered from a torn patellar tendon during the playoffs. Following that, he's expected to miss a majority of the 2026 season.

Now, the Bears do have competition for the position in Braxton Jones, Theo Benedet, and Jedrick Wills, but with all three of their PFF grades under 60 for 2025, Decker could be a huge boost.

For the Browns, with many of last season's starters hitting the free agency, the situation is no simpler. They cannot solely rely on left tackle Dawand Jones, who has a shocking 32.8 PFF grade from last season.

That is where the contrast becomes clear. Decker, who had a 67.9 PFF grade and brings a decade of experience protecting Jared Goff, offers a higher floor than current options on both rosters.

The question now is not whether teams are interested, but which situation makes the most sense for him moving forward.

After Lions Departure, Which Landing Spot Makes More Sense for Taylor Decker?

According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Taylor Decker requested release because of the “steep” pay cut by the Detroit Lions. That decision has now opened up multiple paths.

From Chicago’s point of view, the connection of familiarity is already there.

“The Bears also employ former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their head coach,” Kristopher Knox noted. 

The Bears offer a setup where he can transition quickly. Meanwhile, Cleveland offers a different kind of opportunity.

“While the rebuilding Cleveland Browns would be less enticing to Decker, they also have major question marks at left tackle,” Knox added. 

It is also worth noting that in Chicago, Decker would mainly be protecting Caleb Williams. However, in Cleveland, the protection would be for Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and possibly even Deshaun Watson.

Even with a slight dip in performance last season, Decker still delivered better protection numbers than what either team currently has at the position. That keeps both options open for different reasons.

Which matters more ultimately depends on what Decker prioritizes next.

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Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote