Ben Johnson Could Snag Josh Reynolds from the Detroit Lions and Bring a Trusted Weapon to His New Chicago Bears Offense
In the ever-evolving chess match that is the NFL offseason, coaching moves often trigger a cascade of ripple effects. When former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson accepted the head coaching job with the Chicago Bears, analysts immediately began speculating about what personnel he might try to bring with him. While his focus will be building around No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, Johnson’s familiarity with certain Detroit players could shape Chicago’s next steps in free agency. And there’s one name that makes perfect sense: wide receiver Josh Reynolds.
Reynolds was a steady and underrated presence in Detroit’s offense under Johnson, especially in crucial third-down situations. While not the flashiest receiver on the roster, Reynolds’ trustworthiness, route-running ability, and chemistry with quarterback Jared Goff made him a key part of the Lions’ offensive machine. As Johnson begins his tenure in Chicago, the potential to lure Reynolds away from Detroit and into a Bears uniform looms as a possibility that could quietly alter the landscape of the NFC North.
Ben Johnson’s Influence and the Familiarity Factor
Ben Johnson’s success in Detroit wasn’t accidental. He orchestrated one of the most creative and effective offenses in the NFL over the past two seasons, turning the Lions into a legitimate playoff contender. His system maximized talents at every position, from Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery in the backfield to Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta in the receiving game. But it was his ability to develop trust with his players, particularly those who didn’t dominate headlines, that made him stand out.
Josh Reynolds exemplifies that trust. When Johnson took over as OC in 2022, Reynolds had just arrived in Detroit, reuniting with Goff after their shared stint in Los Angeles. Johnson quickly incorporated Reynolds into the offense as a reliable secondary option, particularly when defenses focused on shutting down St. Brown or the Lions’ tight ends. Reynolds responded by producing timely catches, stretching defenses with his size, and rarely making mental mistakes.
In Chicago, where Johnson is installing a new culture and a fresh offensive identity, having someone like Reynolds could ease the transition — not just for the coach but for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Williams is expected to start immediately, and what better way to build his confidence than to give him a veteran receiver who already understands the offense and brings a professional approach to every snap?
Reynolds’ Fit with the Bears
The Bears’ receiving corps has seen significant investment. The addition of Keenan Allen and the rise of D.J. Moore give Williams two high-end weapons. But Allen is aging and not a long-term solution, and Moore’s usage may evolve in Johnson’s offense. Josh Reynolds wouldn’t be asked to be a No. 1 receiver in Chicago — far from it. He’d likely fill a very specific role, akin to what he did in Detroit: the smart, chain-moving outside threat who complements the stars.
At 6-foot-3, Reynolds brings size and reliability. He’s not a burner, but he doesn’t need to be. Johnson’s system values precision and spacing — a trait Reynolds mastered in Detroit. His ability to create separation on intermediate routes, find soft spots in zone coverage, and make contested catches gives him value in critical third-and-medium and red zone situations.
The Bears don’t need to overhaul their weapons to support Caleb Williams; they just need to fortify the infrastructure. Bringing in a player like Reynolds would be a subtle, smart move — a low-risk, high-reward signing that provides comfort to both the coach and the quarterback.
Why the Lions Could Let Him Walk
From Detroit’s perspective, Josh Reynolds has been a valuable contributor — but he’s also not indispensable. The Lions have a deep group of pass-catchers, led by St. Brown, LaPorta, and emerging threats like Jameson Williams. With limited cap flexibility and long-term deals looming for key players, Detroit may not prioritize re-signing Reynolds, especially if he gets an offer to play a more prominent role elsewhere.
Dan Campbell and GM Brad Holmes have shown a willingness to move on from veterans at the right time, trusting their developmental pipeline and culture to fill gaps. If Reynolds receives a reasonable offer from the Bears — especially one that reunites him with Ben Johnson and possibly gives him more snaps — it’s likely the Lions wouldn’t match.
This wouldn’t necessarily be viewed as a loss for Detroit, either. The Lions are loaded with offensive talent and have consistently shown the ability to elevate under-the-radar contributors. What it would be, however, is a smart pickup for a divisional rival who understands how to extract value from the player.
The Broader NFC North Implications
If Johnson brings Reynolds to Chicago, it would mark more than just a player signing — it would signify a shift in the Bears’ strategic identity. Chicago has long struggled to build a cohesive offense, cycling through play-callers, quarterbacks, and philosophies. Johnson’s hire represents a commitment to stability and vision, and targeting someone like Reynolds signals that the new Bears aren’t interested in making splashy, short-term moves — they’re interested in building a smart, sustainable model.
From a competitive standpoint, the NFC North is getting tighter. The Lions are the reigning division champs with continuity and swagger. The Packers, with Jordan Love ascending, look formidable. The Vikings are rebuilding post-Kirk Cousins but have promising pieces. The Bears, for the first time in years, have a direction — and if Ben Johnson gets his hands on players like Reynolds who understand that direction, it could help close the gap faster than expected.
Caleb Williams’ Development
While Chicago’s offensive line and coordinator play huge roles in Caleb Williams’ development, the wide receiver room is perhaps the most important variable. Rookies can struggle when thrown into disorganized situations with limited chemistry and too many moving parts. Josh Reynolds could be the opposite of that. He’d bring cohesion.
In Detroit, Reynolds was often the guy who didn’t wow you with numbers but did everything right. That kind of presence in a young quarterback room is invaluable. Williams wouldn’t have to worry about Reynolds being in the wrong place, running the wrong route, or checking out mentally. That’s the kind of reliability that breeds trust quickly — and makes a coach look smart.
Ben Johnson doesn’t need to bring an army of Lions to Chicago to succeed. But if he’s going to bring one? Josh Reynolds would be a perfect ambassador.
A Reunion Makes Too Much Sense
Sometimes, moves just make sense. Reynolds is a free agent with a history of playing his best football under Ben Johnson. Johnson is installing a system in Chicago that Reynolds already knows. The Bears have a new quarterback who could use a steady, no-nonsense veteran with playoff experience. The Lions might not be able to — or want to — retain Reynolds given their depth and priorities.
Reynolds isn’t a Pro Bowler. He’s not even a household name. But in a league where games are won on margins and trust, a player like him can quietly be the difference between a growing offense and a stagnating one. For Ben Johnson, bringing Reynolds to Chicago would be more than a comfort move — it would be a strategic step toward installing his vision of what Bears football should look like.
And for Josh Reynolds, the opportunity to continue being a trusted asset in a familiar scheme, while helping shape a No. 1 pick’s early years, might just be the perfect next chapter.
