The Detroit Lions are coming out of their 2026 NFL draft with wind on their backs, and now, it’s time to let the dust settle and look at the state of the roster. During the offseason, the Lions let a handful of players go into free agency, and now, one of those players is once again being linked to an old friend: Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears .
The Bears are looking to fill their roster, and following the draft, they still have a few problems with their lineup. Specifically, the Bears could sure use another solid offensive tackle on their squad, and a veteran would be even better.
Enter a former Detroit Lions player who split from the team just a short while ago. They say revenge is sweet, and even though this guy isn’t a revenge-type person, you can’t hate on someone for finding a new gig that keeps his family solvent.
Former Detroit Lions Player Could End Up With Ben Johnson and Chicago Bears
Remember offensive tackle Taylor Decker? Of course you do. Ten years is a long time to hold down the left side for a franchise, and sadly, this break didn’t end clean. Decker made it through a full decade with the Detroit Lions before asking for his release in March 2026 and getting it.
The split traces back to contract talks that didn’t vibe and a team reportedly pushing for a pay cut the 32-year-old wasn’t interested in taking. Not long before that, the expectation was that he’d be back. Then it changed.
Decker is still a strong player, and he could really enhance any NFL lineup.
In a Sunday, April 26, feature, Mike Pendleton of USA Today’s Bears Wire posted his picks for free agents who would fit into the Chicago Bears’ lineup after the 2026 NFL draft. One of those players, yes, was Decker.
“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,” he notes in the piece. “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.”
Former Detroit Lions Player Still Has Life In Him
He adds that during the 14 games Decker played for Detroit last season, the player clocked four penalties and allowed three sacks, “but could be a reasonable one-year signing for the Bears as they await the return of Trapilo.”
It’s not something those in the Lions’ camp want to hear, but this move would make sense. Even though Decker has expressed that he doesn’t want to go to a Lions rival, you can’t blame the guy if he does make that move. The way his time ended with the Detroit Lions was pretty rough, and he deserves a chance to keep playing the sport that he loves so much. So, if Decker ends up with the Bears, let’s not hate on him. Let’s root for him, except, of course, when he’s playing against the Lions.
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