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HC Ben Johnson Confirms Plan to Bring Former Pro Bowl LT to Chicago After Lions Release

 

Chicago, IL. The Chicago Bears may have just found the perfect solution to one of their biggest offseason problems.


After a wave of injuries and roster changes shook the offensive line, head coach Ben Johnson is reportedly moving quickly to bring in a familiar and trusted veteran.

Sources close to the situation say Johnson personally reached out to a longtime former player earlier this week, opening discussions about a possible reunion in Chicago.

That player is former Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker.

 

Lions LT Taylor Decker announced on IG that he requested and will be released by the Detroit Lions. pic.twitter.com/0uKPU6moBf

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 6, 2026

Shortly after the conversation, Detroit made the surprising decision to release the veteran offensive lineman, ending a decade-long run with the franchise that drafted him in 2016.

According to league insiders, Johnson made it clear to Decker that Chicago views him as the immediate answer to a growing problem on the offensive line, especially after starting left tackle Ozzy Trapilo suffered a serious knee injury that could threaten his 2026 season.

Decker is widely respected around the league as a steady, reliable protector on the blind side and has earned Pro Bowl honors during his career while anchoring Detroit’s offensive line for nearly ten seasons.

The connection between Johnson and Decker could prove crucial. During Johnson’s tenure as offensive coordinator in Detroit, Decker was a key piece of the Lions’ offensive system, already familiar with the terminology, protections, and blocking schemes Johnson prefers.

That familiarity means the veteran tackle could step into Chicago’s lineup almost immediately without the typical adjustment period that comes with free-agent signings.

For the Bears, the move would be about more than just filling a roster hole. Everything the organization is building now revolves around protecting franchise quarterback Caleb Williams and accelerating his development after a breakout 2025 season.

Adding a proven left tackle like Decker could stabilize the offensive line instantly while allowing Trapilo the time he needs to recover.

If negotiations move quickly, Johnson could soon reunite with one of his most trusted former linemen and give Chicago exactly what it needs heading into the 2026 season: a veteran protector for the future of the franchise.

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Jared Goff sends a deeply emotional message to former star Taylor Decker and gives a special farewell gift after the heartbreaking news
Detroit, Michigan – Moments after the news broke that veteran tackle Taylor Decker had been released by the Detroit Lions, a powerful gesture from quarterback Jared Goff quickly captured the attention of fans across the NFL. The moment highlighted the deep bond formed between teammates during Decker’s decade in Detroit. The Lions’ decision officially ended Decker’s ten-season journey with the franchise. Drafted in 2016, he became one of the most reliable figures on Detroit’s offensive line, starting 140 games and helping guide the team through multiple rebuilds and three playoff appearances at Ford Field. For Goff, Decker was more than just a teammate protecting the blindside. Since arriving in Detroit, the quarterback relied heavily on the veteran tackle’s leadership and toughness in the trenches. Their connection on the field became one of the quiet pillars behind the Lions’ offensive stability. As the news of Decker’s release spread, Goff reportedly reached out privately before later sharing a heartfelt message honoring the lineman’s impact on the team and the locker room. His words quickly resonated with fans who watched Decker battle week after week for Detroit. “Ten years in Detroit isn’t just a career — it’s a legacy. Taylor protected more than quarterbacks; he protected this team’s identity. I’m grateful for every snap we shared. The Lions won’t be the same without him, but his impact will stay with us forever.” Along with the emotional message, Goff also presented Decker with a deeply personal farewell gift. The quarterback gave him a framed photograph capturing the two of them standing together on the Ford Field turf in full Lions uniforms, a snapshot taken after a memorable victory that symbolized their shared battles. The image reportedly shows both players smiling under the stadium lights, arms around each other’s shoulders as the crowd roared behind them. For teammates and fans alike, the photo represented years of grit, perseverance, and the brotherhood built inside Detroit’s locker room. While Decker’s future in the league remains uncertain, the respect he earned from teammates like Jared Goff reflects the lasting mark he left on the Lions organization. In Detroit, his departure is not simply a roster move—it is the closing of a decade defined by loyalty, toughness, and heart.      

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