By Moses Joshua 
Former Detroit standout Za’Darius Smith could complete a rare NFC North journey if Chicago moves forward
Could Detroit Lose Another Favorite to a Division Rival?
As the NFL offseason enters its quietest stretch, Chicago Bears fans are anything but relaxed. With a new head coach in Ben Johnson and the arrival of No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, optimism in the Windy City is at its highest point in years. Yet, there are still cracks in the roster, and the Bears may be eyeing a former Detroit Lions fan-favorite to help patch one of the biggest.
In a potential move that could shake up the NFC North, Johnson may be targeting none other than veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith—a name still remembered fondly in Detroit. And if that sounds painful to Lions fans, it’s because it should be.
A Familiar Face for Johnson, and a Perfect Fit in Chicago?
In a June 17 feature for Bleacher Report, NFL analyst Kristopher Knox highlighted every team’s top remaining priority this offseason. For the Bears, he emphasized two key areas: installing Johnson’s new offense and bolstering the defensive edge.
“Defensively, Chicago could use another pass-rusher in its rotation,” Knox wrote, citing a lack of depth behind newly signed Dayo Odeyingbo and standout Montez Sweat. “Fortunately, proven pass-rushers like Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith and Von Miller remain unsigned.”
Za’Darius Smith stands out for more than just his impressive résumé. He’s a player Johnson knows well from their shared time in the NFC North, and Smith made a critical impact for Detroit last season—particularly after Aidan Hutchinson’s campaign was cut short due to injury.
NFC North Tour: One Final Stop?
Smith’s signing in Chicago would be more than just a smart football decision—it would mark a rare, full-circle moment. He’s already played for the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, and Detroit Lions. Should the Bears sign him, Smith would complete the NFC North sweep.
Dan Fappiano of ChiCity Sports noted this unique angle, writing that “If Smith were to sign with the Bears, he will have officially played for every team in the NFC North.” Fappiano emphasized the value Smith still brings, despite being 11 seasons into his NFL career.
“At this stage of his career, the veteran would function as a rotational pass rusher,” Fappiano explained. “But having to face off against Sweat and Odeyingbo right into Smith would strike fear into all opposing quarterbacks.”
Detroit’s Dilemma: Replace or Regret?
For the Lions, letting Smith walk was initially seen as a calculated risk—perhaps even a necessary one. But if he lands in Chicago and thrives under Ben Johnson’s new system, Detroit may find itself facing a bitter consequence in division matchups.
The Lions are already thin at edge rusher, especially in light of Hutchinson’s injury history. The potential loss of Smith to the Bears—particularly under their former offensive coordinator—would sting deeper than most free-agent departures.
In a division already stacked with storylines, this one could define a key chapter in 2025. Lions fans, brace yourselves: another favorite may soon wear enemy colors.