Taylor Decker had joined the free agents club after being released by the Detroit Lions in the 2026 offseason. However, his loyalty to the Lions runs for a decade now. According to PFF writer Bradley Locker, this is a reason that is stopping Decker from moving on to the next chapter.

“I will tell you that he’s pretty anti-playing for the Bears and Packers,” Locker quoted Detroit Football Network’s Justin Rogers from the interview they had in April. “That’s the Lions background.”

This sense of loyalty got more traction when Decker publicly stated that he wouldn't sign with an NFC North team. Especially a team like the Bears, with whom they have had a long rivalry.

Decker, the Lions’ first-round pick in 2016, asked for his release on March 6 after Detroit reportedly asked him to take a pay cut. Now in free agency, Locker believes that the Bears are the best-suited team for Decker. Yet, it’s surprising to him how Decker seems not very interested in joining the Bears.

"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,” Locker said.

The Lions have already moved on from Decker by drafting Blake Miller. But Decker is still looking for a new home in free agency.

Given his previous production, it is surprising that the veteran tackle has yet to sign. In 2025, he recorded 551 pass-protection snaps and gave up only two sacks.

Reasons Why the Chicago Bears are a Viable Option For Taylor Decker

Chicago's Ozzy Trapilo successfully made the switch from right tackle to left tackle before suffering a ruptured patellar tendon late in the Bears’ playoff win over the Green Bay Packers. He is expected to miss most of the 2026 season during recovery.

Decker's experience at left tackle would address Chicago's depth concern during Trapilo's recovery.

“Decker would be a seamless signing as a one-year option,” wrote Locker.

More so, it gives him a platform to reunite with former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. He worked closely with Decker during his time in Detroit. The Bears' head coach reportedly reached out to Decker after the latter's uncomfortable split with the Lions.

A one-year deal for Decker would have been a logical move while Ozzy Trapilo works his way back from injury. However, the Chicago Bears already gave one-year contracts to Jedrick Wills, Braxton Jones, and Theo Benedet.

On top of that, ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, Chicago is left with about $1 million in cap space, according to Spotrac.

Yet if Chicago makes a strong push this time, will Decker be interested or remain loyal to Detroit? Share your thoughts.

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Written by

Sourav Ganguly

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar