Bears projected to sign Lions OT who's made 140 starts as Ozzy Trapilo insurance

Apr 5, 2026 - 01:30

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Bears projected to sign Lions OT who's made 140 starts as Ozzy Trapilo insurance originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Chicago Bears are coming out of the first few weeks of free agency with two areas of need that have yet to be fully addressed, if at all.

While edge rusher is a massive issue that needs more help, that help will likely come during the 2026 NFL Draft. But the Bears also need more insurance at left tackle with Ozzy Trapilo coming off a torn patellar tendon last year.

With the need for a left tackle in mind, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox projected that the Bears would go out and sign a former left tackle of the Detroit Lions, Taylor Decker, to reunite with Ben Johnson and be a key LT option in 2026.

Bears projected to sign Taylor Decker in free agency

"Projected landing spot: Chicago Bears," Knox writes. "...In other words, the Bears could use a veteran left tackle, at least during Trapilo's recovery. Chicago also employs former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as its head coach, meaning Decker is a perfect candidate."

Decker is a 32-year-old offensive tackle who is coming off a 14-start season for the Lions and is only one year removed from being a Pro Bowler in 2024.

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He's started 140 games in his 10-year NFL career, all with the Lions. While he might be a bit older and maybe not as good as he once was, Decker isn't a bad option for some insurance in Chicago.

With his link to Ben Johnson, and the Bears' very questionable left tackle room with Trapilo down with injury, and Theo Benedet and Braxton Jones being the only other options, Decker would be a great signing well after the first wave of free agency.

It's not an ideal situation, needing to acquire an insurance piece at left tackle. But, for the Bears, with Caleb Williams looking to climb even higher in 2026, good pass protection is a must, and Decker could fill that role nicely.