By Sunday 
A defensive piece Detroit can’t afford to lose might be heading across enemy lines.
Lions Fans, Brace Yourselves
The 2025 season hasn’t even kicked off, but the tension is already thick in the air for Detroit Lions fans—and it has nothing to do with an upcoming opponent. Instead, it’s the unease of potentially losing a key contributor to a bitter division rival… thanks to a familiar face.
Ben Johnson, former Lions offensive coordinator and now head coach of the Chicago Bears, is reportedly in position to scoop up someone Detroit might not want to see leave—or worse, face twice a year.
Za’Darius Smith: Detroit’s Rental or Long-Term Fit?
Za’Darius Smith wasn’t in the Motor City for long, but the veteran edge rusher made an immediate impact after being acquired midseason. With star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson sidelined, Smith stepped up big time, helping the Lions battle through injuries and into the postseason.
He wants to come back. He said he wants to come back. In his own words to USA Today, Smith said:
“We both know where I want to be… When I’m there I feel like a leader and like I can influence the young guys and do great things.”
And yet—Lions GM Brad Holmes hasn’t made a move.
Ben Johnson, the Opportunist?
Enter: Ben Johnson. The offensive mastermind turned Bears head coach is already reportedly eyeing Smith, per Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder. In his recent feature, Holder notes Smith’s link to the Bears via Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, calling it a “possibility” that Smith lands in Chicago. Imagine that—Smith wreaking havoc on Detroit from the opposite sideline.
Holder lays it out clearly:
“Smith would be a great complement on the edge with Montez Sweat.”
That kind of pairing is nightmare fuel for NFC North offenses—and a direct hit to the Lions’ own pass-rushing aspirations.
Detroit, Don’t Get Outplayed Off the Field
While Holder also throws Detroit a bone—saying “sometimes it’s best to stay where you are”—the reality is this: The Lions need to act. They got production from Smith, they know he fits the system, and they’ve already seen his leadership up close. Why risk letting that walk into a division rival’s building?
Detroit’s going prime-time this year—five nationally televised games, including Thanksgiving and Christmas. The eyes of the football world will be on the Lions. But will Smith still be wearing Honolulu Blue, or will he be trying to bury Jared Goff twice a season?
Only time—and a front office decision—will tell.