The saying “once a Lion, always a Lion” seems to reflect the mindset of one former member of the Detroit Lions as he navigates the current NFL free-agency period. Even though the offseason is well underway and he remains unsigned for the 2026–27 campaign, reports suggest he has little interest in joining two of Detroit’s biggest divisional rivals — the Chicago Bears or the Green Bay Packers.

For Lions supporters, that stance may be welcome news. Despite his departure from Detroit — which did not unfold smoothly — the player appears reluctant to suit up for teams that compete directly with his former club. That sentiment reflects a strong sense of loyalty to the organization he spent years representing.

Former Lions Lineman Says Joining Rivals Would Feel Wrong

Former Detroit left tackle Taylor Decker has been exploring free agency since the team approved his request to be released in March. While he has yet to sign with a new franchise, a report from Justin Rogers of the Detroit Football Network indicates that Decker would prefer to avoid landing with either the Bears or Packers.

Rogers discussed his conversation with Decker during an April 2 episode of the Lions Collective podcast. In that interview, Decker reportedly shared frustration about what he described as limited communication from the Lions during the final stages of his time with the team. Rogers also explained that Decker has mixed feelings about the idea of chasing success elsewhere after investing so much of himself in Detroit.

According to Rogers, Decker is focused on joining a competitive team but has reflected on whether it feels right to pursue that opportunity with another franchise after dedicating so much physical and emotional energy to the Lions.

Rogers further noted that Decker is strongly opposed to the idea of signing with the Bears or Packers — a perspective that stems from his long association with Detroit. While others have crossed divisional lines, such as Bears head coach Ben Johnson making his own career move, Decker reportedly feels uncomfortable with the possibility and has little interest in it.

The reporter also explained that Decker had always envisioned finishing his career with Detroit, and that expectation made his current situation difficult to anticipate. According to Rogers, returning to the Lions had been the lineman’s primary plan, and when he requested his release, he had not fully considered what his next step might be.

Decker Reflects on an Awkward Exit From Detroit

Following the conclusion of the 2025–26 season, the Lions granted Decker’s request to leave the organization, but the process reportedly created tension.

In a March 28 interview with Rogers, Decker described the aftermath of his departure as uncomfortable. He explained that communication between him and the organization had largely stopped, making the situation feel uneasy and somewhat awkward.

Decker even compared the experience to a high school breakup where two people avoid each other after separating, illustrating how strange the dynamic has felt since his exit.

Because Bears head coach Ben Johnson reportedly contacted Decker after his release, some NFL observers speculated that Chicago could become a potential destination. However, given Decker’s hesitation about joining a division rival, that possibility now appears less certain — though it cannot be completely ruled out as free agency continues.