By Sunday 
Ben Johnson isn’t just scheming up plays in Chicago — he might be quietly assembling a Lions reunion.
The newly-minted Chicago Bears head coach, known for his creative offensive mind and calm leadership, is already being credited as the key to unlocking Caleb Williams’ potential. But now, in what feels like a familiar trend, Johnson could be looking back to Detroit once again — this time, not for plays, but for personnel.
Familiar Faces Fit Fast
It’s no secret Johnson built something special in Detroit. So it’s only natural that, in a new city and new system, he’d want some trusted pieces to help lay the foundation.
According to ESPN’s Aaron Schatz, one of those pieces could be Jalen Reeves-Maybin, the versatile linebacker and special teams ace who was a Pro Bowler in 2023.
“Linebacker depth is a bit of a problem for the Bears,” Schatz explains. “They don’t need a starter … but former Lions linebacker Reeves-Maybin would be a good depth addition. He’d be a big help on special teams.”
Translation: While the Bears are set with T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds as their core linebackers, Reeves-Maybin could be the kind of behind-the-scenes guy who makes everything click — especially on special teams, where hidden yards can make or break a tight game.
The Pushback: Is There Really Room?
Not everyone’s sold. Bears insider Kole Noble offered a counterpoint: “The more I consider this, the more this doesn’t really make sense for the Bears outside of helping push some other players on the roster.”
That push could come in the form of rookie Ruben Hyppolite II, a fourth-round pick this year who boasts similar traits — quickness, coverage skills, and sideline-to-sideline burst.
And then there’s the size concern. Reeves-Maybin, while speedy and smart, isn’t exactly built to be a traditional strong-side linebacker. If the Bears aren’t looking to open a roster spot — or cut ties with an existing name — there may not be space for him.
A Reunion Worth Considering?
Still, if you’ve followed Ben Johnson long enough, you know he prizes familiarity, dependability, and football IQ. And in Reeves-Maybin, he’d be getting all three.
Whether or not this Lions-Bears crossover comes to pass, it’s clear Johnson is reshaping Chicago in his own image — one scheme and one former Lion at a time.