The Chicago Bears desperately need to address the left tackle position this offseason, as offensive line coach Dan Roushar indicated at the NFL Scouting Combine that the team may not have its franchise blindside blocker on the roster. This storyline doesn’t come as a surprise since Ozzy Trapilo is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2026 season while recovering from a ruptured patellar tendon sustained in the Wild Card Round. Additionally, Braxton Jones is set to become a free agent after being benched and missing time with a knee injury, and the Bears prefer to keep reigning Protector of the Year Joe Thuney at left guard.
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A Pro Bowler from the Chicago Bears’ division rival has been released
Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker (68) celebrates Lions’ 21-20 win over Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023.
Taylor Decker announced last week that he will play in the 2026 season after pondering retirement and battling a shoulder injury that required offseason surgery last year and flared up in 2025, but not for the Detroit Lions. The 32-year-old Pro Bowl left tackle was surprised when the Lions approached him about restructuring his contract, as he was set to earn $18.2 million in cash and a $1.5 million roster bonus due on March 15. Ultimately, both sides could not reach a resolution, and Decker requested his release, which the team granted.
Given his familiarity with Ben Johnson, Chicago may be the favorite to land him.
The Bears are suddenly linked to the Pro Bowl left tackle
Detroit Lions Taylor Decker
Jan 7, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker (68) holds his daughter before the game against the Minnesota Vikings during warm ups at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports
Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team mentions that the Bears, who are in the market for a left tackle, could target Taylor Decker, given his strong history with Ben Johnson. Meirov points out that the Pro Bowler would be a perfect fit as a one-year stopgap, allowing the Bears to still draft a franchise left tackle in the upcoming draft and redshirt him. Since Decker may retire next year, the draft pick could start in 2027, having learned from him and being comfortable, rather than being thrown to the wolves as a rookie.
Worth mentioning: The #Bears are in the LT market for a one-year stopgap player, and HC Ben Johnson has a strong history with Taylor Decker.
This was Decker’s goodbye post: https://t.co/NeorZ0RAGD pic.twitter.com/Ajd7G1n8tJ
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 6, 2026