Ben Johnson has made it clear since becoming head coach of the Chicago Bears that he is comfortable bringing in players he previously worked with during his time with the Detroit Lions.

That approach has already been evident this offseason. Johnson reunited with wide receiver and return specialist Kalif Raymond by signing him to a new contract in Chicago. Now, it looks like the Bears could be looking to add another familiar face from Detroit’s offense.

According to Justin Rogers of the Detroit Football Network, Johnson recently reached out to former Lions offensive lineman Taylor Decker. Decker revealed in an interview with Rogers that he had not received any contact from Detroit, making Johnson’s outreach stand out even more.

Decker’s most notable individual achievement came in 2024 when he earned his lone Pro Bowl selection while Johnson was serving as the Lions’ offensive coordinator. Over the course of his career, the veteran tackle has started 140 games, spending the majority of that time protecting the left side of the offensive line.

Chicago currently faces uncertainty at the left tackle position. Starter Ozzy Trapilo is expected to miss a large portion of the 2026 season because of an injury. In his absence, players like Braxton Jones, Theo Benedet, and Jedrick Wills Jr. are the current candidates competing for the job.

If Chicago decides to bring in a veteran left tackle on a short-term deal, Decker could be a strong fit. His familiarity with Johnson’s offensive system and his long track record as a dependable starter make him an appealing option. In fact, some of Decker’s most productive seasons occurred while playing in Johnson’s offense.

The Bears are also navigating changes on their offensive line after signing Garrett Bradbury to replace retired Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman. Because of that transition, adding a veteran presence like Decker could provide stability in the short term.

For now, Chicago’s financial flexibility is limited, as the team reportedly has around $1 million in available cap space. But if the Bears manage to clear additional room, Decker could quickly become one of the first players they pursue. Johnson’s early interest suggests he already views the experienced tackle as a potential solution for Chicago’s offensive line.