Ben Johnson Might Swipe Another Lions Favorite — And Bears Fans Are Here for It
The Chicago Bears are dreaming big heading into the new season. With new head coach Ben Johnson in charge and rookie QB Caleb Williams ready to cook, there’s real buzz in the Windy City. But… there’s a problem: the Bears still have a few gaps on the roster — and time’s ticking to fix them.
And here’s the wild part: one of the potential solutions? Another former Detroit Lion. Yep, Ben Johnson might be eyeing one of his old buddies to bring over from Motown. And if that happens, Lions fans might just spontaneously combust.
Bears’ Wishlist: Pass Rush, Please
In a new Bleacher Report article, Kristopher Knox laid out the top remaining tasks for every NFL team this offseason. For the Bears, he highlighted two things:
1. Get Ben Johnson’s offense up and running.
2. Add another legit pass rusher to the rotation.
The Bears already shelled out $48 million to sign Dayo Odeyingbo to tag-team with Montez Sweat on the edge. Not bad — but the depth behind them? Pretty sketchy.
Knox floated three names still hanging out in free agency: Preston Smith, Von Miller, and the one Detroit fans know all too well — Za’Darius Smith.
Za’Darius to Chicago? That Would Sting in Detroit
Smith was a key piece for the Lions last season, especially when Aidan Hutchinson was sidelined with injury. He’s a vet, no question — going into Year 11 with 69 career sacks and nearly 175 QB hits under his belt. He’s not going to play every down, but as a rotational edge? He’s still dangerous.
If Ben Johnson signs him, it would be the ultimate NFC North bingo card moment — Smith would’ve officially played for all four teams in the division. And for Lions fans already salty about Johnson jumping ship to coach the Bears? Yeah, this would pour some serious salt in the wound.
Opposing QBs Beware
Dan Fappiano of ChiCity Sports thinks bringing in Smith would complete a scary trio: Sweat, Odeyingbo, and Smith — rotating in waves and smashing through offensive lines. Not fun for opposing quarterbacks. Very fun for Bears fans.
So, will Ben Johnson pull the trigger and lure another Lions favorite over to Chicago?
Stay tuned. If this goes down, the NFC North rivalry just got a lot more personal.
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