By Sunday 
Ben Johnson might be up to something. Again.
Just months after leaving Detroit to take over as the Chicago Bears’ head coach, Johnson is already starting to build his team in a way that might keep Lions fans up at night. First, he’s been tasked with turning rookie QB Caleb Williams into the face of the franchise. Now? He might be gunning for someone Motor City fans know all too well — pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith.
A Familiar Face, a Familiar Threat
If the name makes your blood pressure rise a little in Detroit, there’s a reason. When Aidan Hutchinson went down last season, Smith stepped in and made a real impact for the Lions defense — proving once again he can be a problem for opposing QBs.
Now, reports from both Bleacher Report and ChiCity Sports suggest he’s on the Bears’ radar. Chicago already added Dayo Odeyingbo to complement Montez Sweat, but their edge depth drops off fast after those two. That’s where Smith comes in.
“Za’Darius Smith gives the Bears another proven edge rusher,” wrote Dan Fappiano of ChiCity Sports. And yeah… it would also give Lions fans another reason to loathe Chicago’s new regime.
Smith’s Quiet But Devastating Resume
Let’s not forget, Za’Darius is no fluke. Entering his 11th season, the man has racked up:
- 333 total tackles
- 173 QB hits
- 69 career sacks
That’s not a guy you want lining up on third-and-long across from your rookie right tackle. And it’s definitely not a guy Detroit wants to see twice a year wearing navy and burnt orange.
A Full NFC North Tour?
Here’s the kicker — if Smith signs with the Bears, he will have officially played for every single team in the NFC North:
- Packers ✅
- Vikings ✅
- Lions ✅
- Bears 🔄 pending?
That’s wild. And let’s be honest, there’s something poetic (and mildly villainous) about a guy circling through the entire division and still putting up numbers.
Detroit’s Dilemma
It’s not just that Smith could leave the Lions — it’s that they still need help at edge. With Hutchinson returning and the team eyeing another playoff run, it would make sense to bring back a guy like Smith, even in a rotational role.
Instead, he might be wreaking havoc for their rivals instead of with them.
Final Whistle
If Ben Johnson gets his hands on Za’Darius Smith, it would be a savvy move for the Bears… and a painful one for Detroit. The NFC North is about to be even more competitive, and familiar faces could be suiting up on the wrong sidelines.
So yeah, if this happens? Expect some fireworks when Lions vs. Bears hits the schedule.