One thing about Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson that he has not been afraid to do is target some of his former players from the Detroit Lions.
Johnson already showed that this offseason as he reunited with wide receiver and return specialist Kalif Raymond on a new contract. It appears there may be more former Lions offensive players who could be joining the team.
Detroit Football Network’s Justin Rogers reported that Johnson had reached out to former Lions offensive lineman Taylor Decker. In an interview, Decker told Rogers that he had not heard from the Lions, so hearing from Johnson was a “stark contrast” compared to not getting anything from Detroit.
Ben Johnson just gave Bears major advantage to get Taylor Decker
Decker’s only Pro Bowl selection of his career came in 2024 when Johnson was his offensive coordinator. The former Lions lineman has started 140 career games, most of them at left tackle.
Chicago currently has an issue at left tackle, with starter Ozzy Trapilo expected to miss much of the 2026 season due to injury. Currently, it would be Braxton Jones, Theo Benedet, and Jedrick Wills Jr. competing for the starting job.
If the Bears want a one-year rental of an offensive lineman to come in at left tackle, Decker would be the perfect option. Decker knows the offense already and has played at a high level for a long time, with his best seasons coming under Johnson.
The Bears already have some questions on the offensive line with Garrett Bradbury replacing the now-retired Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman. That’s why it might be more important than ever to have Decker join Chicago for one year and fill in for the time being.
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Johnson already showed that he wants Decker, so when the Bears can figure out how to create more cap space from the $1 million they only have available now, watch for Decker to be one of the first calls they make.