Detroit Lions Could Lose Taylor Decker to Hated Rival

The Detroit Lions knew parting ways with Taylor Decker wouldn’t be easy. What they may not have expected is how uncomfortable things could get next. After spending a decade protecting the blindside in Detroit, Decker is now one of the more intriguing veteran names still floating around free agency.

And there’s growing chatter that his next stop could be with the division rival Chicago Bears . If that happens, this story goes from routine roster turnover to something a lot more personal. From Kevin Knox of Bleacher Report : “Offensive tackle Taylor Decker asked for and was granted his release from the Lions.

However, the 32-year-old wasn’t simply looking for a change of scenery. According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, however, Detroit approached Decker about taking a “steep” pay cut before he asked for his release. Decker may be entering the back end of his career, but he’s still a starting-caliber left tackle and has been for some time.

Decker has started 140 games across 10 seasons and was ranked 41st overall among all tackles by Pro Football Focus in 2025. While there aren’t many teams lacking a left tackle at this point in the offseason, the Chicago Bears would provide Decker with a perfect pairing. Chicago recently picked up Jedrick Wills Jr.