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Could Ben Johnson poach the Lions?
One of the biggest offseason changes that the Detroit Lions underwent following their devastating loss to the Washington Commanders in the NFL Divisional postseason round was the departures of both major coordinators to other franchises to accept head coaching jobs, as offensive coordinator Ben Johnson joined the rival Chicago Bears, while defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn joined the New York Jets.
Despite losing in both games to the Lions, Johnson was not only able to lead the Bears to their first playoff berth since 2018, but a stunning Wild Card upset victory over the Green Bay Packers before ultimately falling to Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL Wild Card round.
Meanwhile, the Lions just weren’t the same on the offensive side of the ball without Johnson. John Morton, who was hired as his official replacement, had his play calling duties stripped midway through the season by head coach Dan Campbell before ultimately being dismissed at the conclusion of the campaign; the Lions have since hired former Arizona Cardinals OC Drew Petzing to fill his vacated role.
But could Johnson be eying an impact figure on the Lions to break ranks and join the Bears for next season?
According to a provocative new report from Bears Insider Ben Devine, he could be an intriguing option for the Bears to consider if the Lions were to part ways with him to save money on the salary cap.
“Keep an eye on Lions LT Taylor Decker,” Devine wrote on his X account. “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.”
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Detroit Lions LT Taylor Decker Is Mulling Retirement
Following the Lions’ final game of the season, which was against Johnson and the Bears at Soldier Field, Decker admitted that he was seriously considering hanging up the cleats.
“I just want to get away because it’s been really challenging for me mentally, just being in pain all the time and knowing that you have to go out there and play anyway,” Decker said. “I’m just not in a good mental state right now. I’m not sleeping well. I mean, I just need to get away, and I go out there, and I play because I love the game and I love my teammates.”
“It’s a massive decision, and it’s not only about me,” Decker continued. “It’s about my kids. I’ll get emotional about that. Just to be able to show up and be the father that I want to be. It’s not about do I want to play football. That’s really important to me because I can make the selfish decision. I can keep playing until I can’t walk anymore or I can’t throw the ball with my kids.”
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Could The Lions Cut Taylor Decker To Save Money?
While it seems like it would be a potentially harsh decision, the Lions could choose to cut Decker in order to save money on the salary cap as suggested last month by ESPN NFL Insider Aaron Schatz.
“The Lions will cut left tackle Taylor Decker if he does not retire,” Schatz wrote. “He will be 33 years old next season and has had issues with shoulder injuries. In 2025, he fell to 45th out of 69 ranked tackles in pass block win rate, and he ranked 61st in run block win rate.”
Regardless of whether Decker returns or not, bolstering the offensive line must be a priority for Lions GB Brad Holmes in the months ahead.
Michael Whitaker Michael Whitaker is a sports journalist based in metro Detroit with nearly a full decade of experience with publications like Clutch Points and The Hockey News. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from Eastern Michigan University. More about Michael Whitaker
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