Bears call Taylor Decker
Chicago reportedly reached out to Pro Bowl tackle Taylor Decker as Ben Johnson’s Bears look to build on an 11–6 division‑title season—Decker is a clear veteran target in a busy free‑agency window (chicitysports.com).
Detroit Football Network’s Justin Rogers published a sit‑down with Taylor Decker in which Decker described “radio silence” from Lions leadership after his exit and Rodgers reported that Bears head coach Ben Johnson reached out to check on him. (detroitfootball.net — newsweek.com — ) Decker requested and was granted his release from the Detroit Lions in early March, ending a 10‑season run with the franchise. (nfl.com — ) A 2016 first‑round pick (16th overall), Decker has 140 career starts and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2024, and he is listed at age 32. (pro‑football‑reference.com — ) Chicago’s left‑tackle room already features Braxton Jones, who re‑signed on a one‑year deal worth up to $10 million, and newly added Jedrick Wills Jr., who agreed to a one‑year deal as Chicago continues to evaluate its options. (espn.com — fox32chicago.com — ) NFL reporting notes Decker battled injuries in 2025 (14 games played) and allowed 33 pressures last season, and he would have been set to make roughly $18.2 million in 2026 if he’d remained on Detroit’s roster. (nfl.com — ) Multiple outlets say Decker is a logical free‑agent target for Chicago because of his familiarity with Johnson’s staff and scheme from their Detroit overlap, a factor teams often weigh when pursuing veteran tackles. (bearswire.usatoday.com — si.com — )
