NFL Free Agency Rumors: Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears tied to $101M Detroit Lions veteran left tackle

After unsettled contract disputes with his longtime team, the Detroit Lions, offensive tackle Taylor Decker asked for a release.He was due $18.2M in 2026, including a $1.5M roster bonus. But Decker refused to accept a pay cut and was released instead.The 32-year-old veteran OT was released in March 2026, just two days before the new league year.Then he was linked all offseason to the Chicago Bears, led by his former Lions offensive coordinator and current head coach, Ben Johnson.But did it come to any fruition? No, not at all. We’re nearing the end of July, and there’s still no new destination for the tackle.For that matter, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox suggests the Los Angeles Rams and, once again, the Chicago Bears for the Detroit Lions’ longest-tenured player.One of the logical landing spots for Taylor Decker is the Chicago Bears, according to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox.The Chicago Bears have 24-year-old offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo, who is recovering from a ruptured patellar tendon.The in-house left tackle suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the postseason win over the Green Bay Packers.At the NFL Owners’ Meetings, Chicago head coach Ben Johnson said Ozzy Trapilo had a “pretty serious injury,” and all the options at left tackle were open.When Taylor Decker was released by the Detroit Lions, no coach apparently called him. But Ben Johnson did.Detroit Football Network’s Justin Rogers got in touch with Taylor Decker, who said the Chicago head coach reached out to him and spoke to him as a friend.It turned out to be a stark contrast from the Detroit staff, because he had not heard from them once since his release in March.FanSided’s Anthony Kerr suggested back then that Ben Johnson’s interest in Taylor Decker could mean two things:the coach was doing right by his former pupil and the two could end up in Chicago.Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox reports Decker would make the most sense for a legitimate contender looking to add some insurance to its offensive line.The Bears and the Los Angeles Rams leap to mind.Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox suggests the Los Angeles Rams could sign the Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker.Rams tackle Alaric Jackson may face league discipline for a June domestic violence arrest.ESPN’s Sarah Bishop reports Alaric Jackson will not face a felony charge for a June domestic violence charge.“Charges are not filed against the respondent at this time. However, the case stays open throughout the length of the statute of limitations.It can be re-evaluated if there are further developments,” Ivor Pine said in a statement.Ivor Pine is a spokesperson for the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office.Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox reports Alaric Jackson is placed in a diversion program instead of facing prosecution.FanSided’s Brad Berreman also suggests Taylor Decker for the Los Angeles Rams.The Rams are in a win-now mode, and Decker shares a history with Los Angeles veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford.Stafford played for the Detroit Lions from 2009 to 2020. Decker played for the Lions from 2016 to 2025. So that’s five seasons of history.PFF ranked the 32-year-old OT with a 67.9 overall grade [41st among 89 qualified offensive tackles],69.5 pass blocking grade [45th among 89 others], and 62.1 run blocking grade [57th among others] for the 2025 season.Taylor Decker played almost 900 offensive snaps, allowing 33 pressures [2 sacks, 3 hits]. He was flagged for 5 penalties.Could the Chicago Bears or the Los Angeles Rams sign Taylor Decker? We have just weeks to find out before the 2026 NFL season rituals [training camp, pre-season] begin...