By Moses Joshua 
Former coordinator’s interest in prized defender sparks urgency in Detroit
Ben Johnson’s New Role Could Derail Detroit’s Plans
As the NFL offseason enters its final lull before training camps ignite across the league, the Detroit Lions find themselves walking a tightrope between preparing for a landmark season and potentially losing out on a key piece that could make all the difference.
At the heart of the concern? Former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson—now calling plays for the rival Chicago Bears—may beat Detroit to the punch in signing a free agent pass rusher who was pivotal to the team’s success last season.
Za’Darius Smith: The Missing Piece, or the One That Got Away?
After the Lions were hit hard by injuries in 2024, including to star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, general manager Brad Holmes made a midseason move that quietly reshaped Detroit’s defense. The acquisition of veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith paid immediate dividends. His leadership, physicality, and ability to pressure quarterbacks helped the Lions stay playoff-bound.
Smith, who remains a free agent after being released for salary-cap reasons, hasn’t been shy about where he’d like to land.
“We both know where I want to be,” Smith told USA Today. “Hopefully I can get back to Detroit because the coaching staff and everybody in the front office are great. When I’m there, I feel like a leader and like I can influence the young guys and do great things.”
Despite that public plea, Detroit hasn’t pulled the trigger. And now, time might be running out.
Chicago Bears, Ben Johnson Lurking
In a recent report by Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder, Smith was linked to three teams: the Lions, Commanders, and Bears. The inclusion of the Bears isn’t just idle speculation—Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported that Chicago has a real interest in Smith, citing the possibility of a reunion with his former offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson.
Holder noted:
“Staying in the NFC North and reuniting with Ben Johnson is a possibility. With Dayo Odeyingbo taking the early-down responsibilities and sliding inside in passing situations, Smith would be a great complement on the edge with Montez Sweat.”
The idea of Smith wreaking havoc alongside Sweat in Chicago—and doing so under the guidance of a former Lions coach—could be a bitter pill to swallow for Detroit fans.
Clock Ticking for Brad Holmes
With the Lions poised for national spotlight in 2025—including five prime-time games, a Thanksgiving Day showdown with the Packers, and a Christmas clash at Minnesota—keeping momentum and star power on defense is crucial.
Hutchinson remains the franchise cornerstone on the edge, but Detroit must protect itself against depth concerns. And while former Lion Jon Jansen advised Hutchinson to “bet on himself” before seeking a new deal, Detroit’s focus right now should be on ensuring he has reliable help this season.
Za’Darius Smith may not be a long-term solution, but he’s exactly the kind of “now” player this rising team needs.
The question is—will the Lions act in time? Or will Ben Johnson strike first and pull a defensive ace straight out of Detroit’s hand?