The ongoing narratives surrounding the Lions and offensive guru Ben Johnson aren’t going away soon, especially if the Chicago Bears continue trending upward. How does that tie into the upcoming November 5 trade deadline, you ask?

Here’s the deal. Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame recently proposed a potential trade involving those same Bears and the Miami Dolphins.

In his piece, Verderame suggested that the Bears pursue a deal to acquire Dolphins running back De’Von Achane.

“This would be another situation where Miami moves a key piece while gaining valuable draft picks for the future. The Dolphins still have Achane under his rookie deal for this season and next, with base salaries of $1.2 million and $1.4 million,” he explained.

“Landing Achane won’t be cheap because of his talent and contract control. But for Chicago, it could be worthwhile since D’Andre Swift is averaging just 3.3 yards per carry and could be cut after this season, saving the team $7.5 million,” Verderame added. “Over his first two years, Achane ran for 1,707 yards and 16 touchdowns with a 5.6-yard average.”

NFL fans know Achane is no small name. His speed and explosiveness rival that of the Lions’ own Jahmyr Gibbs.

Right now, Lions fans can enjoy mocking the Bears’ lackluster ground game — especially since Chicago let David Montgomery leave. But if the Bears were to land Achane, the entire dynamic would shift.

The Bears have strengthened their offensive line, loaded up on weapons at receiver and tight end, and rookie Caleb Williams has shown major promise. It’s not easy for Lions fans to admit, but these are undeniable facts.

The only missing piece in Chicago remains a reliable rushing attack. With Swift, Kyle Monangai, and the seldom-used Roschon Johnson, that hole is obvious.

Detroit shouldn’t panic about losing control of the NFC North, but if the Bears pull off a move like this, the division race would become far more difficult for Dan Campbell and the Lions.