The Chicago Bears made a huge jump in Ben Johnson's first season as head coach, going from a five-game winning team in 2024 to an 11-winning team in 2025. Still, it looks like there's another level of development available to unlock in the Windy City.
While Bears general manager Ryan Poles has done a good job of upgrading the team in every way, as well as addressing key weaknesses, there is still one area of concern. Is the offensive line ready to compete for another playoff spot?
However, Sports IllustratedEva Geitheim believes the Bears can still address their offensive line by turning to one of Coach Johnson's old friends, Taylor Decker. The Detroit Lions' longtime left tackle requested and received his release from Johnson's former team earlier this offseason, and he is still unsigned in free agency.
"After leaving the Lions earlier this offseason, OT Taylor Decker remains unsigned. Decker already has experience playing under head coach Ben Johnson during his time in Detroit, and can ensure the Bears have depth at tackle as OG Trapillo will miss the majority of the 2026 season after rupturing his patellar tendon, and Braxton Jones will step in for him."
SI's Eva Geitheim on Bearse/Taylor Decker
Decker, who turns 33 in August, earned his only Pro Bowl nomination in 2024 after starting 14 games for the Lions. Still, after a 10-year career with the Lions, Decker was ready to move on, and Chicago has a soft landing spot available with a coach he's already very familiar with.
Additionally, with Trapillo set to miss a significant amount of time, Decker can ensure that the left side of Chicago's offensive line remains in good shape. Having started all 140 of his appearances since arriving as the 16th overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Decker still has a lot left in the tank.
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