Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson has reportedly made contact with a former Detroit Lions player who recently parted ways with the organization.

In an interview released on March 28 by Justin Rogers of the Detroit Football Network, former Lions left tackle Taylor Decker opened up about how his exit from Detroit unfolded. Decker and the team separated following the 2025–26 season, and the veteran lineman said the situation left him feeling as if the organization had stopped communicating with him—particularly head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes.

Decker described the lack of communication as uncomfortable, explaining that the silence from the team’s leadership made the situation feel awkward. He compared the experience to an uncomfortable breakup, where both sides avoid interacting with each other.

The longtime tackle said he understood that a separation was likely once discussions about his contract began, especially since he was unwilling to accept a pay reduction. He eventually spoke with Campbell about the situation, but when he attempted to contact Holmes, he did not receive a response. That absence of communication made the situation feel somewhat personal to him.

According to Rogers’ report, Decker noted that after speaking with Campbell on February 23, he did not hear from the team’s leadership again. There was no follow-up conversation from his head coach, and Holmes never reached out directly. Eventually, Decker initiated contact with offensive line coach Hank Fraley—someone he had previously supported publicly when Campbell was first hired.

After spending a decade with the franchise, Decker admitted he expected more acknowledgment from the organization as his tenure ended. From his perspective, a conversation from the head coach or general manager would have meant a lot after the years he dedicated to the team.

Despite the difficult departure, Decker should still have a strong market if he decides to continue his career elsewhere. In a March 26 piece for Bleacher Report, writer Gary Davenport pointed out that several teams around the league need help at the tackle position. Because of that demand, Decker could have multiple potential landing spots, although he might wait until after the 2026 NFL Draft before deciding on his next destination.

Davenport also highlighted Decker’s solid play in 2025, noting that he surrendered only two sacks while logging close to 900 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.

Earlier this year, Decker confirmed the end of his time in Detroit with a message on social media. In his statement, he said he wanted to close the chapter respectfully after ten seasons with the team. He described it as an honor to serve as the Lions’ starting left tackle for a decade and expressed appreciation to the Ford family and the organization for giving him the opportunity to play in Detroit.