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The Chicago Bears could be in the market for a beloved Detroit Lions player, making for a sneaky move in 2026.
The Chicago Bears are taking part in the NFL Combine, which runs from February 23 to March 2, but they’re also looking at players that will be available in free agency. Now, it’s possible that the Bears could steal away a beloved Detroit Lions player, yanking him out of the clutches of Dan Campbell.
Ben Johnson, of course, hails from the Lions, so he’s been plunking away staffers and players from them since he took over in early 2025. Now, one Detroit Lions player appears to be entering free agency right when Johnson and the Bears could use a veteran of his stature.
The Bears and Lions are longtime rivals in the NFC North, and even though all of the teams in the division are rivals, because of Johnson’s history with Detroit, going up against them takes on greater importance. So, who will Johnson and the Bears take away from the Motor City?
Chicago Bears May Sign Longstanding Detroit Lions Player in Free Agency
In a feature out on Wednesday, February 25, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reported that the Chicago Bears are allowing linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to seek a trade. The Chicago Bears appear primed to let him go, even though he’s under contract for next season at $15 million, according to the report and research from the Tribune.
That move means the Bears will need a solid linebacker. Enter, Alex Ansalone of the 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 feature out on Wednesday, February 25.
During the 2025-26 season, Anzalone allowed 40 receptions for 409 yards and two touchdowns during 16 games with the Detroit Lions, according to NFL research. He also finished with a 65.3 coverage grade and 65.6 run-defense grade.
Louis states that this would be a good 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,” he notes in the piece. “That would save Chicago $8-10 million at the position and give them a reliable veteran in place.”
Move Would Bring a Solid Linebacker to the Chicago Bears
“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 adds in the feature. “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 also says 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.”
But, the Bears will have competition. ESPN’s Matt Bowen has a piece 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. “Tampa Bay can add another productive veteran on defense here. Anzalone had 2.5 sacks and eight pass breakups in Detroit last season.”
Anne Erickson is an award-winning reporter for Heavy Sports covering the NFL, NBA and college football. Anne Erickson has years of experience covering the NFL and additional sports, and her work has been published via ESPN, Fox Sports and more. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in sports, including Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Erickson also hosts several podcasts and is a Detroit-based radio host. More about Anne Erickson
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