The Chicago Bears should consider using their first-round pick on the defense.
More News: Bears could move on veteran defensive lineman in free agency
The Bears have four safeties set to head to free agency in March. The defensive line needs upgrades at defensive end and defensive tackle.
The one obstacle in the way of finding a playmaker with the No. 25 pick is offensive tackle. It’s unknown when Ozzy Tarpilo will return next season after suffering a ruptured patellar tendon in the Bears’ 31-27 win over the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer thinks the Bears could go after Packers left tackle Rasheed Walker in free agency or use the No. 25 pick on a left tackle. ESPN’s Courtney Cronin suggested left tackle could be priority No. 1 for general manager Ryan Poles in the offseason.
Ben Devine had an interesting idea for the Bears in free agency. If the Detroit Lions cut Pro Bowl left tackle Taylor Decker for cap space reasons, Chicago could give head coach Ben Johnson another lineman he’s familiar with in 2026.
“Keep an eye on Lions LT Taylor Decker,” Devine posted on X. “Detroit could create $18 million in cap space by cutting the 10-yr veteran. In December, Decker said he “ideally” wants to play one more season, but is mulling retirement. He’d be intriguing for Chicago to sign him for 1 year.”
Keep an eye on Lions LT Taylor Decker. Detroit could create $18 million in cap space by cutting the 10-yr veteran. In December, Decker said he “ideally” wants to play one more season, but is mulling retirement. He’d be intriguing for Chicago to sign him for 1 year. #DaBears
— Ben Devine (@Chicago_NFL) February 14, 2026
Chicago Bears need to find a young left tackle
Nov 9, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell (L) celebrates with Lions offensive tackle Taylor Decker (68) while leaving the field after their game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
More News: Bears ‘close’ to large public package from Illinois for stadium: Report
One problem: Decker wouldn’t be cheap for a Bears team that needs to cut cap space this offseason.
Still, Decker would be an asset for a Chicago team poised to make a Super Bowl in quarterback Caleb Williams’ third season under a rookie contract. The 2016 first-round pick could team up with left guard Joe Thuney to make the left side of the offensive line one of the best and most experienced groups in the league.
If the Lions cut Decker, that’s an option Poles has to consider. Though, the Bears hope to find a young player to earn that job in the near future.
For More Chicago Sports:
Follow me on Twitter at @JordanSig, and follow us @ChiCitySports23. You can also reach out to Jordan Sigler via email at [email protected]. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Chicago sports, click here! Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago Bears: DJ Moore’s trade value revealed
Read More
For More Great Chicago Sports Content
Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.
Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE