Ben Johnson’s tenure as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator showcased his ability to develop and maximize the potential of several players, including standout wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Everybody loves a good reunion.
Khalil Mack spent four years with the Chicago Bears (2018-2021) before getting traded to the Los Angeles Chargers in March of 2022, shortly after the arrival of general manager Ryan Poles.
Despite Poles trading him away once, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox listed some “first-wave free agent targets” who “make the most sense for Chicago” and Mack was on his short list.
Now that Ben Johnson has taken over as the team’s head coach, Knox thinks there’s a chance Chicago could reunite with Mack based largely on the team’s need for a better pass rush. A dominant defense would also help quarterback Caleb Williams, and Knox thinks that could motivate Johnson more.
“While finding offensive aid will likely be the Bears’ biggest focus of the early offseason, they aren’t in a position to ignore their defense,” Knox wrote, adding:
“Supporting a young quarterback with a strong defense is always a good idea, and Johnson knows firsthand how quickly injuries and a lack of depth on that side of the ball can derail a season. If the Bears are willing to go a little older on the edge, a reunion with Khalil Mack could also make sense.”
Should Bears Spur Reunion & Sign Khalil Mack in Free Agency?
Let’s break down the pros and cons of this one.
Mack’s leadership and experience would give the Bears’ defense a more stable defensive line, there’s little doubt. The veteran edge rusher finished with 6.0 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 15 QB hits in 2024, and that was a bit of a down year. Bringing him back could also resonate positively with the fan base, as he was a popular player and a two-time All-Pro during his time in the Windy City.
His familiarity with the facilities, team culture and fan base could also facilitate a smooth reintegration. Additionally, Mack’s proven he can regularly perform at a high level, evidenced by his nine Pro Bowls and three first-team All-Pro selections. He’s not the player he once was, but he still has the capability to impact games significantly.
On the downside, Mack’s age (he turns 33 in February) could pose a risk for the Bears, as investing in a player who is nearing the end of his career is always a gamble. Plus, allocating resources to a veteran nearing the end of his career might not align with a team strategy that has largely focused on developing younger talent.
It’s Going to Come Down to the Money
Financial considerations will — and should — play a major role here. While Mack’s contract demands may have decreased, his market value could still be substantial. He recently revealed he won’t retire and will enter free agency this offseason.
Entering 2024, Mack restructured his contract with the Chargers to alleviate salary cap pressures. Originally set to have a $38.5 million cap hit, the restructured deal adjusted his compensation to a base salary of $1.255 million, a signing bonus over $27 million and a workout bonus of $200,000, totaling $19.2 million for the year.
In 2023, Mack amassed 74 combined tackles—57 solo and 17 assisted—and netted a career-high 17 sacks. He also forced five fumbles and defended ten passes. Considering he’s just a year removed from that type of production, he could still have a relatively high price tag.
Still, given his age, he won’t command the same financial commitment he did in his prime. Might he be willing to take slightly less money to finish his career with a team he’s familiar with? Perhaps.
You can bet Johnson will try to shore up the team’s pass rush, stat. Whether Mack is a part of the plan remains to be seen.
Under Johnson’s guidance, St. Brown emerged as a top-tier NFL receiver. He made the Pro Bowl in all three years Johnson served as his OC, netting over 1,100 yards each of those seasons while also hauling in 28 TDs in that span.
Following Johnson’s departure to become the head coach of the Chicago Bears, St. Brown shared a candid exchange between them.
On the January 22 episode of his “St. Brown Podcast,” Amon-Ra revealed that he told the following to Johnson: “Two times a year, Ben, we’re going to (expletive) you up.”
Not to be outdone, Johnson replied: “I’m going to (expletive) you up.” This was lighthearted banter, to be sure, and it underscores the competitive spirit between the former colleagues as they prepare to face each other as division rivals. Still, you can bet both want their respective predictions to come true.
Amon-Ra St. Brown on Ben Johnson: I Know His Tendencies
Despite the jesting, Amon-Ra expressed deep respect and admiration for Johnson. The Lions wideout described Johnson as “one of the hardest working coaches” he’s ever been around and acknowledged his former OC’s significant role in the Lions’ offensive success.
“I love Ben. I’m happy for him, happy for his family, his kids,” St. Brown added. Clearly, the two formed a strong professional bond, even as Johnson transitions to a rival team.
Looking ahead, Amon-Ra sees many intense matchups between the Lions and the Bears in his future — and he thinks Detroit may have an advantage. “I know all the plays he likes to run. I know all his tendencies,” St. Brown said about Johnson with a laugh.
Bears Significantly Weakened Lions By Poaching Johnson
Known for his innovative offensive plays and designs, Johnson transformed the Lions offense into a formidable force. His departure leaves a significant void in Detroit’s coaching staff, especially with defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn also getting a head coaching gig with the New York Jets.
Transitioning to his role as head coach of the Bears, Johnson is expected to significantly enhance their offense. His track record suggests he can effectively utilize the talents of the Bears’ receiving corps just as he did with St. Brown and company. His schemes should help the likes of Rome Odunze and DJ Moore find new and creative ways to exploit defenses.
Moreover, Johnson’s experience in developing quarterbacks, as evidenced by his work with Jared Goff in Detroit, will be invaluable in mentoring the Bears’ rookie quarterback, Caleb Williams. By integrating a system that emphasizes quick decision-making and accurate throws, Johnson can help facilitate Williams’ growth. The Bears and Williams will also be utilizing a lot more play action, which, in turn will help the run game.
And while St. Brown is absolutely familiar with Johnson, the reverse is also true: Johnson is very familiar with the Lions, as well.
Johnson’s knowledge of Detroit’s offensive and defensive philosophies could give the Bears a little something extra in future matchups. Meanwhile, the Lions now face the challenge of finding a successor who can maintain the same kind of high-powered offense that Johnson established. It’s a rare mega-win for the Bears, who now look to the future under their most promising head coach in recent memory.
