First the coach. Then the assistants. Now a locker room favorite?
Ben Johnson might not be done haunting Detroit just yet.
Lions Could Lose Popular Veteran to Ben Johnson and Rival Bears
The Detroit Lions’ rivalry with the Chicago Bears just got personal.
When former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson left Detroit to become Chicago’s head coach, it stung. When assistants and staffers followed him, it felt like the start of a trend.
Now, it could get worse.
A beloved Lions veteran may be the next domino to fall — and he could land directly in Johnson’s arms in Chicago.
The Tremaine Edmunds Twist
According to reports out of Chicago, the Bears are allowing linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to seek a trade, despite him being under contract for $15 million next season.
That move would create a major hole at linebacker in Chicago.
And that’s where Alex Anzalone enters the conversation.
The 31-year-old Lions linebacker is set to hit free agency, and multiple outlets have begun connecting the dots between Anzalone and the Bears — especially given Chicago’s potential need and financial motivation.
Why This Makes Sense for Chicago
Spotrac projects Anzalone to command a two-year, $14.5 million deal — roughly $7.3 million per year.
Compare that to Edmunds’ $15 million salary, and the math becomes obvious.
Chicago could save between $8–10 million while adding a proven veteran presence.
Anzalone isn’t flashy, but he’s steady. Last season, he allowed 40 receptions for 409 yards and two touchdowns over 16 games, finishing with solid coverage and run-defense grades in the mid-60s.
He’s experienced. He’s scheme-versatile. And at 31, he’s still viewed as a competitive starter.
For a Bears team trying to stabilize its defense under a new regime, that’s appealing.
Why This Hurts Detroit
Anzalone isn’t just another name on the roster.
He’s respected. Vocal. A glue guy in the locker room.
And the optics of losing him to a division rival — especially one coached by a former Lions coordinator — would sting.
Detroit is reshaping parts of its roster after a disappointing 2025-26 campaign, and financial decisions are inevitable. But watching a popular veteran cross enemy lines would amplify the frustration.
Especially if Johnson continues to build Chicago using Detroit’s leftovers.
It’s Not a Done Deal
There’s competition.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen listed Anzalone among his top 50 free agents for 2026, noting that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could also be in the mix. With Lavonte David entering free agency, Tampa Bay may look for a veteran linebacker to reinforce Todd Bowles’ defense.
That means Chicago isn’t the only suitor.
But they might be the most intriguing.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about one linebacker.
It’s about momentum in the NFC North.
If Ben Johnson lands another respected Lion — and does it while saving millions in cap space — it sends a message.
Chicago is serious.
Detroit isn’t untouchable.
And rivalries don’t stay confined to the field anymore.
The coming weeks could determine whether this is just offseason speculation — or the next chapter in a rapidly intensifying division battle.
One thing is certain: Lions fans will be watching closely.
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