Ben Johnson Proved Again How Savvy He Is With Latest Taylor Decker Incident
Taylor Decker was one of the best left tackles of the past decade in the NFL. Playing on several bad Detroit Lions teams made it difficult to recognize this. However, the past few years of success allowed people to see how good he was, culminating in a Pro Bowl in 2024. After so many years of faithful service, Decker felt he’d done enough to garner a little more respect. Instead, because he wouldn’t take a pay cut, the Lions unceremoniously released him. Since then, he hasn’t heard from them. Decker has been treated like an old truck left in a junkyard. Only one person has bothered to reach out. That is Ben Johnson.
Justin Roger of Detroit Football Network spoke with the veteran left tackle about the situation. Decker is hurt and confused by Detroit’s silent treatment. Johnson’s contact was both unexpected and welcome.
“Instead, it’s been radio silence. It’s uncomfortable. It’s awkward. It feels like a high school breakup, where you can’t make eye contact when passing each other in the hall. You know who did call Decker? Ben Johnson, his former offensive coordinator and head coach of the Chicago Bears. Not to recruit him to the division rival, but to check in, like a friend does.”
Johnson coached Decker for three years from 2022 through 2024, enjoying loads of success. In that time, they formed a tight bond. For all the talk about the young coach being too computer-brained and unapproachable, the truth is the complete opposite. He cares about his players. This moment is a perfect example of that.
Ben Johnson knows what he’s doing.
Yes, he absolutely reached out to Decker to check on how he’s doing. That part is true. However, it also served the dual purpose of keeping the Bears on his mind. After all, the team still doesn’t have a definitive left tackle. Right now, they’re facing a competition between Braxton Jones and Jedrick Wills, both coming off injuries. Decker represents a clear upgrade at the position for them, even in his 30s. Now, as the relationship between him and the Lions grows a little bitter, he might be motivated to join a team that gives him a chance to remind them of what they let go.
The core issue for Chicago has been price. Decker, as the proven veteran he is, will likely command a large number on his next contract, even if it’s only for one year. The Bears aren’t in a position to give him one. That said, if the left tackle were willing to give them a steep discount, that might change matters. It’s not like Decker needs the money, and getting the chance to play for Ben Johnson again might seem more appealing by the day. Much may depend on the upcoming draft.
The Bears may decide to go offensive tackle early.
General manager Ryan Poles has pulled up to two recent pro days featuring prominent tackle prospects Kadyn Proctor and Max Iheanachor. Both are projected to go in the 1st round. There is a good chance that at least one of them will be available at #25 overall. If it goes that way, signing Decker is unlikely. However, if the board falls such that they do grab a tackle, this is something they may wish to revisit. There is no pressure to make a move right now.
Decker is a veteran. He’s at that point in his career where he doesn’t need minicamps or OTAs to get himself ready for a season. Besides, he knows Johnson’s offense as well as anybody. If the Bears aren’t comfortable with their tackle situation by the start of training camp, they could place that phone call. Of course, this is presuming another team doesn’t sign Decker before then. One thing we know for sure is this deal would come together fast if Ben Johnson decides to push for it.