ESPN picks curious free agency fit for former Lions OT Taylor Decker

After his Detroit divorce , there was some thought that former Lions left tackle Taylor Decker might look to reunite with former Lions OC and now- Bears head coach Ben Johnson. After all, Caleb Williams and the Bears are fresh off an NFC North title and that pairing would have made some sense given where Decker is at in his career. The longtime Lions left tackle was mulling retirement before he decided he wanted to return to the Lions in 2026.

Of course, that didn't work out for the two sides. But, if Decker was that close to retirement and then chose to come back for another season, the opportunity to join a potential winner would seem like one of the primary draws. But, in ESPN's look at the best fits for top NFL free agents , Decker is headed to a team that isn't expected to do much winning in 2026.

ESPN's Matt Bowen writes that the Miami Dolphins are the best free agent fit for Decker. Decker had an 89. 3% pass block win rate in 2025 with Detroit, the second-lowest rate of his 10-year career.

If he can prove to be healthy, however, he has the toughness and intangibles to win a starting role with most NFL teams. In Miami, Decker would compete for the left tackle spot with third-year pro Patrick Paul . The Dolphins drafted former Alabama left tackle Kadyn Proctor last month, but he is expected to slot in at left guard in 2026.