A surprising roster move by the Detroit Lions may have just opened the door for Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson to strike back in a very personal way.
Ben Johnson Could Get Sweet Revenge on Lions After Surprise Graham Glasgow Release
NFL rivalries rarely stay contained to the field. Sometimes, the most satisfying victories happen through roster decisions.
That possibility just emerged for Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson after the Detroit Lions made a surprising move—releasing veteran offensive lineman Graham Glasgow.
According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Lions decided to part ways with Glasgow in order to save $5.5 million in salary cap space.
The decision immediately raised eyebrows across the league.
Not only had Glasgow been a consistent veteran presence, he also started 14 games for Detroit last season, playing primarily at guard while occasionally filling in at center.
Now that he’s suddenly available, one intriguing possibility has surfaced: a reunion between Glasgow and his former offensive coordinator—Ben Johnson—this time in Chicago.
A Familiar Face for the Bears’ New Coach
Johnson knows Glasgow’s game well.
The two worked together during Johnson’s tenure with the Lions in 2023 and 2024, building a familiarity that could make Glasgow an appealing option for the Bears.
When coaches take over new teams, one of the first priorities is finding players who already understand their offensive system.
Glasgow fits that profile perfectly.
Signing him would give Johnson a veteran lineman who already understands his playbook and could help stabilize the offense while Chicago continues building its roster.
And there’s also a little extra motivation involved.
If Glasgow ends up contributing to the Bears’ success, it would be a subtle but satisfying way for Johnson to turn Detroit’s roster decision into Chicago’s advantage.
Offensive Line Questions in Chicago
The Bears’ offensive line situation heading into the 2026 season has several question marks, particularly at left tackle.
Rookie lineman Ozzy Trapilo suffered a devastating ruptured patellar tendon during Chicago’s playoff victory over the Green Bay Packers. The injury is expected to keep him out for a significant portion of next season.
At the same time, Braxton Jones is currently a free agent, leaving uncertainty at the position responsible for protecting quarterback Caleb Williams’ blind side.
Chicago does have Theo Benedet returning on a one-year contract, and he has experience playing left tackle. However, inconsistent performances previously allowed Trapilo to take over the starting role.
During the Bears’ playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams, the team even experimented with Joe Thuney at left tackle—though the organization would prefer to keep him in his natural role at left guard.
Where Glasgow Could Fit
Glasgow is not a natural left tackle, so he likely wouldn’t solve Chicago’s biggest issue directly.
However, he could provide something every competitive team needs: reliable depth.
The veteran lineman has years of experience playing both guard and center, which would make him a valuable backup behind starters Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson.
And because he already understands Johnson’s offensive system, the transition would likely be smooth.
In a long NFL season, depth along the offensive line can be the difference between staying competitive or watching injuries derail a playoff run.
A Move That Could Come Full Circle
For now, Glasgow remains a free agent.
But the connection between him and Chicago’s new head coach makes the Bears an intriguing potential landing spot.
If Johnson chooses to bring his former lineman to Chicago, the move could accomplish two things at once:
Strengthen the Bears’ offensive line depth.
And deliver a subtle form of revenge against the team that just let him go.
In the NFL, roster decisions often ripple across the league.
And sometimes, the best way to answer a rival’s move is to turn it into your own opportunity.
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