The Detroit Lions are gearing up for a season filled with sky-high expectations, but a major roster concern could derail their plans if their former offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson — now with the rival Chicago Bears — makes a bold move.
As the Lions prep for minicamp and the September kickoff, questions linger about the pass rush behind star Aidan Hutchinson. Hutchinson is elite but can’t shoulder the load alone, especially returning from injury. Last year, the Lions found a spark in veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith, who helped drive them to the playoffs despite a wave of injuries.
Smith has openly expressed his desire to stay in Detroit, telling USA Today he wants to return because of the supportive staff and his ability to mentor younger teammates. But so far, Lions GM Brad Holmes hasn’t pulled the trigger on re-signing him.
That could open the door for Johnson to strike. According to Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder, Smith has been linked to several teams — including the Bears — making a reunion with Johnson and a painful NFC North twist all too real. Holder wrote that Smith “has been linked to the Bears, via Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer,” adding he’d be a perfect fit opposite Montez Sweat in Chicago’s defense.
On the bright side, Holder also noted it might simply make the most sense for Smith to stay where he thrived. After all, the Lions got real value from him post-trade, even if he became a salary-cap casualty in the offseason.
Bringing Smith back would be timely for Detroit, which faces a national spotlight in 2025 with five prime-time games, including marquee matchups on Thanksgiving against Green Bay and Christmas Day against Minnesota.
If Holmes doesn’t act soon, Johnson might steal away the pass rusher the Lions need most — and that’s the last thing Detroit wants heading into a high-stakes season.
Ex-Lions Coach Ben Johnson Targets Key Defender to Bolster Bears’ Pass Rush
