The Detroit Lions are rivals with every team in the NFC North, but their rivalry with the Chicago Bears takes on a greater importance, since the Lions’ former offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, is in Chicago.
The Detroit Lions have already seen players and coaches head to Chicago, and now, a popular play may follow suit. The Lions are rebuilding their lineup and coaching staff after a disappointing 2025-26 season, so they’re making chances, and sometimes, that even means letting go of popular players.
It’s not all about the talent of the roster. Some of the decisions come down to dollars and cents.
Popular Detroit Lions Player May End Up In Chicago With the Bears and Ben Johnson
On Wednesday, February 25, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reported that the Chicago Bears are letting linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to seek a trade. The Bears seem ready to let him go, even though he’s under contract for next season at $15 million, according to the report and the Tribune’s research.
So, what does this have to do with the Detroit Lions? “With a hole being created at linebacker, Alex Anzalone immediately becomes a potential option for Chicago during free agency,” Richard Louis of Detroit Jock City states in a piece out on Wednesday.
Anzalone allowed 40 receptions for 409 yards and two touchdowns during 16 games with the Lions during the 2025-26 season. He finished with a 65.3 coverage grade and 65.6 run-defense grade.
Louis notes that this would be a smart, and money-savvy, move for the Chicago Bears. “Spotrac projects Anzalone to sign a two-year, $14.5 million deal, which pans out to $7.3 million per year. That would save Chicago $8-10 million at the position and give them a reliable veteran in place,” he states in the piece.
Will Ben Johnson Steal Another Player From the Detroit Lions? It Would Save $8-10 Million for the Franchise
So, will this really happen? It’s a real possibility, especially since it would save the Bears $8-10 million.
“While Lions fans don’t want to hear about a former player going to a division rival, the odds that it happens with Anzalone took a significant jump on Wednesday,” Biggs states in the piece. “The Bears could have a need at the position, and Anzalone would give them someone familiar with the defensive scheme at half the cost.”
Biggs adds that “for a defender who is 31 years old and wants to play competitive football, the Bears would give Anzalone that opportunity, making this a storyline to watch in the coming weeks.”
It’s worth noting that ESPN’s Matt Bowen has a feature out of his top 50 free agents for 2026 and included Anzalone as being of interest to the Tampa Bay Bucs.
“Lavonte David is a free agent, and coach Todd Bowles needs more from his inside linebackers. Anzalone is quick to key the run, and Bowles is one of the best at scheming his linebackers on pressure stunts,” he states in the feature. “Tampa Bay can add another productive veteran on defense here. Anzalone had 2.5 sacks and eight pass breakups in Detroit last season.”
