The Detroit Lions have undergone significant changes this offseason, both on the sidelines and on the field. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson are gone, while starters like defensive end Za'Darius Smith remain unsigned going into the NFL Draft.
From a player perspective, the Lions haven't lost too many valuable contributors, with veteran guard Kevin Zeitler likely representing the biggest subtraction. One of the more under-the-radar players who is no longer with the organization is seldom-used wide receiver Maurice Alexander, who contributed on special teams but spent large portions of his three-year tenure on the practice squad.
Alexander is now with the Chicago Bears on a one-year deal, hoping to crack the wide receiver rotation or at the least, stick on the 53-man roster. Unfortunately for the 28-year-old vet, his job is seemingly already in danger entering the first round on Thursday.
Chicago Bears WR Maurice Alexander is wearing number 13. Last assigned to Keenan Allen. #DaBears pic.twitter.com/OMgsx6ODqa
— NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) April 7, 2025
Former Lions WR Maurice Alexander's New Job in Danger Entering NFL Draft
Originally an undrafted free agent out of Florida International, Alexander was with Detroit from 2022 through 2024. He appeared in seven games, including three in 2024, catching one pass for seven yards while playing 19% of special teams snaps last year.
After the Bears chose not to re-sign Keenan Allen, Alexander theoretically stepped into the top six on the depth chart. D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, Olamide Zaccheaus, and Devin Duvernay are expected to hold the initial four spots, though it's wide open after that. However, this draft is rich with receiver talent, particularly in the mid-to-late rounds, which could take the air out of Alexander's balloon before the party even starts.
Alexander's best path to a roster spot, in all likelihood, resides on special teams. He may be able to impress new head coach Ben Johnson and earn some snaps at wideout, though he'll have to prove himself. It's worth noting that Johnson is familiar with Alexander from his time with Detroit and bringing him to Chicago suggests there's an opportunity. However, if the Bears are aggressive in the draft with their seven selections, Alexander could be on the outskirts once training camp rolls around.
We'll see what happens, but Alexander needs to be paying attention to Chicago's moves over the next few days as he could quickly find himself out of a job or back on the practice squad once again.