The Detroit Lions were among the NFL’s best teams in the 2024 season. They secured 15 wins, claimed their second consecutive NFC North title, and clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs—achievements never before accomplished in franchise history. Now, they face the challenge of building on that success in 2025 without their previous coordinators.

Lions tight end Sam LaPorta isn’t thrilled about Ben Johnson’s decision to become the Bears’ head coach this offseason. In an interview with Kay Adams, LaPorta didn’t shy away from expressing his thoughts on the move.

“Yeah, of course, happy for Ben,” LaPorta said via Up & Adams with Kay Adams. “He played a huge role in bringing me to Detroit. I have nothing but respect for him. But when Sunday afternoons roll around this fall, I guess some friendships will turn into rivalries.”

Unsurprisingly, Adams was delighted by LaPorta’s remark about “friends turning into enemies.”

She also asked how it felt losing Johnson, especially given the key role he played in his arrival in Detroit.

“It’s tough, no doubt,” LaPorta admitted. “You build strong relationships, put in so much energy, effort, and hard work together.”

Despite this, LaPorta remains optimistic about what lies ahead for both Johnson and the Lions.

“You’re happy for him as he takes on the challenge of leading his own team and organization,” LaPorta added. “It’s an exciting time for him, and for us as well as we embrace our new coaching staff.”

Lions fans still have plenty of reasons to be excited, even after Johnson’s departure to Chicago.

Detroit could make a big move in the 2025 NFL Draft. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell suggests that the Lions should consider trading up in the first round to draft an edge rusher.

“Could they move up from No. 28 into the teens for Mike Green (Marshall) or Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M)? This might be the perfect time for Detroit to make a bold move for a second edge rusher, especially with Hutchinson now eligible for what will be a major contract extension,” Barnwell wrote on Monday.

Barnwell wisely stops short of predicting that Detroit will make a massive leap up the draft board for a player like Abdul Carter.

It wouldn’t be surprising if the Lions identify a few top edge rushers and look to trade up to secure one.

It will be interesting to see if GM Brad Holmes takes Barnwell’s advice when the draft arrives next month.