Taylor Decker requested his release from the Detroit Lions in March, and the one-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman may be regretting that decision. A first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Ohio State product has been a fixture on Detroit’s offensive line for the past decade, starting in 140 games while doing everything he can to keep his quarterback healthy. Despite playing with several different passers, head coaches, and overall schemes, Decker has remained one of the league’s more productive and consistent left tackles throughout the past decade.
Despite his advanced age, he was still a productive player last year. Starting and appearing in 14 games, the left tackle finished the season with a 67.9 PFF grade, the 39th-best mark out of 84 eligible players. He may not be destined for the Hall of Fame, but he’s still a starting-caliber offensive tackle. There are not enough reliable offensive linemen to go around, so it’s a little surprising to see him still available on the open market. However, with the NFL Draft done and most of the big-name free agents already finding homes, it should only be a matter of time before Taylor Decker finds his next team.
3 Teams That Could Sign Offensive Tackle Taylor Decker
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs must do everything they can to keep superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes upright in 2026. The quarterback suffered a season-ending ACL injury late in the 2025 season and, chances are, won’t have the same mobility early in the season. Like all teams, the Chiefs can only go as far as their quarterback can take them, and protecting Mahomes should be the team’s top priority.
2025 first-round pick Josh Simmons held down left tackle last year, but he spent his collegiate years on the right side of the offensive line. Signing Taylor Decker could allow the Chiefs to move Simmons to the right side and slide in Decker at left tackle. Kansas City’s current plan is veteran Jaylon Moore, who is nothing more than a high-end backup. Adding Decker to the mix would give Kansas City one of the league’s better offensive lines and help Mahomes bring this team back to the playoffs.
Chicago Bears
Taylor Decker and Bears head coach Ben Johnson spent years together on the Detroit Lions, so it only makes sense for them to reunite in Chicago. Ben Johnson’s first season in the Windy City was an unquestioned success, as he had quarterback Caleb Williams looking like a franchise passer while guiding the team to the NFC Divisional Round. Now, it’s time for them to build on that success and make a run at a Super Bowl.
The Bears have plenty of pass-catching weapons, but their offensive line could use some work. Williams loves to improvise behind the offensive line, and the former first-overall pick is one of the league’s most dangerous passers when he extends the play. With this in mind, Chicago would be wise to invest in an offensive lineman like Taylor Decker, who can keep Williams clean in the pocket and give him more time to survey the field and make a jaw-dropping throw downfield.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are embracing a rebuild, but that doesn’t mean they should sign someone like Taylor Decker. Despite taking a massive cap hit with the Tua Tagovalioa release, the Dolphins still found a way to spend big on free agent quarterback Malik Willis. This shows the team believes he has what it takes to be a legitimate franchise quarterback, which means they should try to protect him. Miami did use its first-round pick on offensive tackle Kaydn Proctor, but signing Decker will ensure Miami has at least one starting-caliber tackle ready to go in Week 1.