Ben Johnson Could Snag Another Lions Favorite for the Bears

Ben Johnson Could Snag Another Lions Favorite for the Bears

There is a lot of enthusiasm behind new head coach Ben Johnson, and the Chicago Bears are looking for a spectacular season when it officially begins in a few months. However, the Bears still have a few holes in their lineup, and they will need to fill those throughout the remaining summer if they want to surround Caleb Williams with the kind of quality he needs to succeed.

Another Detroit Lions favorite might be added by the Bears to cover one of the lineup’s remaining holes. The Lions fan base would probably not be pleased by it, which would make the Bears even happier.

The Chicago Bears get another Detroit Lions player?

Kristopher Knox examined each NFL team’s to-do list for the remainder of the 2025 offseason in a Bleacher Report story published on June 17. The NFL has “finally reached the quiet portion of the 2025 NFL offseason,” he writes in the article.

Since most required minicamps and organized team activities (OTAs) have ended, many players are effectively off until training camps begin.

“Install Ben Johnson’s offense” is what he wants to see the Bears accomplish. However, he also wants to see another pass rusher signed by the team.

“Chicago could use another pass-rusher in its rotation defensively,” he says. “Dayo Odeyingbo was signed by the Bears to support Montez Sweat, but it’s unclear how deep their depth is behind those two.”

“Fortunately, proven pass-rushers like Von Miller, Preston Smith, and Za’Darius Smith are still unsigned,” Knox continues. Including one of them prior to the start of camp would be wise.

That name, Za’Darius Smith, is probably familiar to Lions supporters. When Aidan Hutchinson missed the Lions’ season due to a season-ending injury, he played a crucial role. Given that Detroit also needs a reliable pass rusher, how outrageous would it be for Johnson to sign Smith?

Bears Are Encouraged to Get Edgey

Dan Fappiano lists Smith as a free agent that Johnson might pursue in an article published on June 17 for ChiCity Sports.

“The Bears gave edge rusher Dayo Odeyingbo a three-year, $48 million contract during the offseason,” he writes in the article, adding that “he should form a potent tandem with Montez Sweat on the outside of Chicago’s defensive line.”

“The options behind that duo are all unheralded,” he observes. The Bears have another established edge rusher in Za’Darius Smith.

Smith has extensive experience. In 2025, the free agent will have played in the NFL for 11 years. He has recorded 69 sacks, 173 QB hits, and 333 tackles during his career.

The veteran would serve as a rotational pass rusher at this point in his career, according to Fappiano. “However, facing Sweat and Odeyingbo directly against Smith would make all opposing quarterbacks tremble.”

“If Smith signs with the Bears, he will have officially played for all of the NFC North’s teams,” Fappiano continues. His services might be just what Chicago needs as they search for more pass rush.