When Ben Johnson stepped into the role of offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions back in 2022, he quickly made his mark with the existing roster. Players like D’Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams, and T.J.
Hockenson were pivotal in driving the team to a respectable 9-8 finish. However, rather than sticking with the status quo, Johnson and the Lions opted for a shake-up, trading Swift and Hockenson and letting Williams leave in free agency.
This paved the way for fresh faces like Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta, aligning more closely with Johnson's vision.
Fast forward to today, and there's buzz around the league that a similar scenario might be brewing in Chicago. Despite the Bears' offense ranking in the top 10 for both points and yards, Johnson, now head coach, might be looking to mold the roster further to fit his strategic blueprint. NFL insider Ari Meirov has hinted at potential roster changes on his podcast, suggesting that some veteran players might be on the chopping block.
Johnson's approach is clear: if players aren't meeting his high standards, he's not afraid to make changes. Financial considerations are also in play, as the Bears are currently over the salary cap.
Moving certain players could free up significant space. Yet, it's not just about the dollars.
Johnson's past decision to move on from Swift in Detroit indicates he prioritizes fit over past performance.
The emergence of Colston Loveland has made Cole Kmet's current salary a bit of a luxury. Meanwhile, D.J.
Moore's production has dipped, raising questions about his indispensability. Among the players in question, Kmet might have the best chance of staying, given his role in "12" personnel formations.
Moore and Swift, however, seem more expendable.
Given the Bears' limited cap space and standard draft picks, Johnson's room for sweeping changes is constrained. It's likely he’ll focus on a couple of key positions.
Moore, in particular, seems like a prime candidate for a move, with younger talents like Rome Odunze and Luther Burden ready to step up. Trading Moore could significantly alleviate cap pressures, while Swift's contract situation allows for another year's flexibility.
Ultimately, if Johnson does make moves, Moore and Swift appear to be the most replaceable, aligning with both financial strategy and on-field vision.