Ben Johnson Brings in WR for Reunion With Bears

The Chicago Bears are hoping things will be different in 2025. After missing the playoffs for the fourth straight season, the Bears were able to land Ben Johnson as their next head coach.

Snagging him from their division rival Lions makes the addition that much sweeter. Johnson was able to bring J.T. Barrett and Antwaan Randle El over with him. Barrett was elevated to quarterbacks coach while Randle El will be the wide receivers coach/assistant head coach.

Due to Johnson's connection with the Lions, many people around the league expect players from Detroit to reunite with the first-time coach in Chicago.

That first connection happened on Friday. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, the Bears signed Maurice Alexander to reserve/future deal.

Bears News: Maurice Alexander Signs Contract With Chicago

Alexander has a history with Johnson, as he signed with the Lions back in 2022. He started his professional playing career in the USFL with the Philadelphia Stars. In that season, Alexander logged 20 grabs for 234 yards and two scores. He also was an effective kick returner. He finished with 787 return yards (31.4 yards per return).

That led to him signing with the Lions before the 2022 season started. He played in four games for Detroit that season, notching one reception for seven yards. In addition, he had six kickoff returns for 146 yards.

He has a history of playing under Johnson, making the connection that much smoother. Alexander will get a chance to land on the roster during the minicamp and training camp.

The Bears will likely tap into the well of former Lions this offseason. Bringing in guys with a history with Johnson is something that could become a trend over the next couple of months. And Alexander was the first addition from that well.

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