In a bold and unexpected move, newly appointed Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson made a statement during his introductory press conference that immediately captured the attention of NFL fans and analysts alike. As his first major action with the team, Johnson was asked what his top priority would be in building a competitive roster for the Bears, and without hesitation, he named a star player from his former team, the Detroit Lions, as his ideal first signing: Amon-Ra St. Brown.
The announcement quickly sent shockwaves through the NFL, as Johnson expressed his admiration for the Lions’ top wide receiver and hinted at the possibility of luring him to Chicago in the near future. St. Brown, who has developed into one of the NFL’s premier young wideouts over the past few seasons, was a key player in Detroit’s offensive resurgence under Johnson’s guidance. Now, with Johnson at the helm of the Bears, he has made it clear that his priority is to build a high-powered offense, and St. Brown, a dynamic and versatile wide receiver, is at the top of his wish list.
While it’s unlikely that St. Brown would leave the Lions for a divisional rival, Johnson’s comments demonstrate his confidence in building an offense that could rival Detroit’s. In his press conference, he emphasized the importance of playmakers who can stretch the field, create mismatches, and contribute both in the passing and running games. St. Brown, who has shown exceptional route-running ability, yards after catch, and high football IQ, perfectly fits that description.
The idea of St. Brown joining the Bears isn’t just a pipe dream for Johnson, either. The Bears have been in the market for a legitimate No. 1 receiver for several seasons, and St. Brown would instantly elevate their receiving corps. Chicago’s offense has been inconsistent in recent years, and pairing Justin Fields with a player of St. Brown’s caliber could be the boost the Bears need to finally break through in a highly competitive NFC North division.
While the likelihood of such a move materializing in the short term remains uncertain, Johnson’s comments set the stage for an exciting offseason in Chicago. The Bears have significant cap space and are expected to be active in the free agent market, and the possibility of bringing in St. Brown would be a statement signing that could completely change the trajectory of the team’s offense.
For the Lions, the prospect of losing St. Brown to a division rival is a nightmare scenario. However, the team’s leadership is well aware of the importance of retaining their star players, especially as they look to build on the success they’ve achieved under head coach Dan Campbell. If Johnson truly intends to make a play for St. Brown, the Lions will certainly need to respond with a strong offer to keep their top target in Detroit.
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, all eyes will be on the Bears’ offseason moves, and whether or not Ben Johnson can pull off the unthinkable by convincing Amon-Ra St. Brown to join him in Chicago.