Andrew Buller-Russ
The Chicago Bears took a big leap in Ben Johnson’s first season as head coach, going from a team that won five games in 2024 to one that won 11 in 2025. Yet, there’s a sense that there’s another level of growth available to unlock in the Windy City.
While Bears general manager Ryan Poles has done a good job of upgrading the team all around, addressing key weaknesses along the way, there’s still one area of concern. Is the offensive line ready to compete for another playoff spot?
However, Sports Illustrated‘s Eva Geitheim believes the Bears could still address their offensive line by turning to one of coach Johnson’s old friends, Taylor Decker. The Detroit Lions‘ longtime left tackle requested and received his release from Johnson’s former team earlier this offseason, and he still remains unsigned in free agency.
“After departing the Lions earlier this offseason, OT Taylor Decker remains unsigned. Decker already has experience playing under head coach Ben Johnson from their time together in Detroit, and could ensure the Bears have depth at tackle as Ozzy Trapilo will miss most of the 2026 season after rupturing his patellar tendon, and Braxton Jones steps in for him.”
SI’s Eva Geitheim on Bears/Taylor Decker
Set to turn 33 in August, Decker earned his lone Pro Bowl nod in 2024 after starting 14 games for the Lions. Yet, after a 10-year career with the Lions, Decker was ready to move on, and there’s a soft landing spot available in Chicago with a coach he’s already very familiar with.
Plus, with Trapilo set to miss a large chunk of time, Decker can ensure Chicago’s left side of the offensive line remains in good shape. Having started all 140 of his appearances since arriving as the 16th overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Decker likely still has plenty left in the tank.
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