The Detroit Lions have agreed to terms with just one major free agent, swapping out Carlton Davis III for D.J. Reed. And their star receiver, Amon-Ra St. Brown, seems a little uncomfortable with that. The wideout expressed shock at how much money one of their NFC North rivals—coached by Detroit’s former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson—has been spending.
Amon-Ra St. Brown Can’t Believe How Much Money the Chicago Bears Are Spending
The Bears had the third-lowest cash spending on their offensive line in 2024 at just over $14 million, and general manager Ryan Poles made sure that wouldn’t be the case in 2025. Chicago completely rebuilt its interior offensive line, trading for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson before agreeing to terms with center Drew Dalman on the first day of free agency.
But they didn’t stop there. The Bears also added Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo on the defensive front, giving them a staggering $60.5 million in combined guaranteed money—a number that left St. Brown stunned.
“I feel like the Bears have unlimited f****** money. This sh*t is crazy,” St. Brown said on his podcast. “They’re just signing new s*** for like $40 million dollars.
“They have unlimited money. What the f*** is this?” St. Brown added. “Ben is making moves left and right.”
"I feel like the Bears have unlimited f***ing money. This shit is crazy."
Once again, the Bears are making some big moves in free agency. pic.twitter.com/gv41Opg96S
— St. Brown Podcast (@StBrownPodcast) March 11, 2025
While Chicago suddenly looks like an NFC North contender, Detroit made a surprise move by cutting Za’Darius Smith to save $5.7 million in cap space, despite clearly needing more pass-rush depth.
Aidan Hutchinson will return from a broken leg, but Alim McNeill remains a question mark after tearing his ACL in mid-December. Improving upon a defense that was destroyed by injuries in 2024 will be important in maintaining the Lions’ status as the team to beat in the NFC North.
St. Brown Stayed Calm After Johnson’s Departure
Detroit lost both offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El to Chicago this offseason. While St. Brown acknowledged the shakeup, he remained confident in himself and the Lions.
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“We’ll be all right, though. Players make plays, right?” he said
St. Brown locked in his future with the Lions last April, signing a four-year, $120 million extension with $77 million guaranteed, keeping him in Detroit through 2028. He backed it up with a monster season, finishing with 115 receptions, 1,263 yards, and 12 touchdowns, ranking third in the league in touchdowns and second in total catches.