Chicago Bears must listen to Ben Johnson’s warning on Panthers linebacker

As the Chicago Bears play caller, head Ben Johnson must keep close tabs on any opposing team’s defense. In Week 1, that happens to be the Carolina Panthers.

Over the offseason, the Panthers completely rebuilt their linebacker room. Amongst their additions was Devin Lloyd, who signed a three-year, $45 million contract. He’s a player Johnson is locked in on entering the week.

Over his four-year career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Lloyd has put up 436 tackles, 26 passes defended and nine interceptions. He’s coming off of his first Pro Bowl season, making 81 tackles, seven passes defended and five interceptions.

Johnson will have his eye on all aspects of the Panthers’ defense. But Lloyd is one player he has circled in red ink.

Chicago Bears must be prepared for Devin Lloyd

Chicago Bears opponent Devin Lloyd — Carolina Panthers linebacker Bam Martin-Scott (54) gives Carolina Panthers linebacker Devin Lloyd (55) a high-five during a joint practice with the Carolina Panthers on the 16th session of NFL training camp at the Miller Electric Center on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

Before he took on the same role with the Bears, Press Taylor served as offensive coordinator of the Jacksonville Jaguars. There, he learned plenty about Lloyd. Taylor is now playing a key role in helping Johnson prepare for the linebacker and all of what Carolina’s defense has to offer, via the head coach’s Tuesday press conference.

“That’s a guy that Press has a lot of experience with. He speaks very highly of him as a player,” Johnson said. “Super athletic, can run all over the place. Come down, thump you. Good in coverage. He’s a guy we’re certainly aware of. All three levels they got people we got to make sure we account for. Little different scheme than he’s been in the past. We’ll see how they want to utilize him. We just got to make sure we’re sound in everything we’re doing.”

The Panthers finished their 2025 season ranked 16th in total defense, allowing 327.2 yards per game. By adding players like Lloyd, Jaelan Phillips and Bobby Okereke, Carolina is intent on rising up their rankings.

They’ll face a tall task in the Bears during Week 1, at least if Johnson’s plans come to fruition. At the very least, he is prepared for what the Panthers have to offer.

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