Lions’ Maurice Alexander Joins Bears, Reunites with Ben Johnson

DETROIT, Mich. — Former Detroit Lions wide receiver Maurice Alexander has signed a futures contract with the Chicago Bears, according to the NFL’s transaction wire. The move reunites Alexander with former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who was recently named the Bears’ head coach, and wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El, who also joined Chicago.

Alexander, 28, spent the 2024 season on the Lions’ practice squad after appearing in three games as a kick and punt returner. He recorded four punt returns for 42 yards and one fumble, which was not lost. The Lions opted not to sign him to a futures deal, making him a free agent ahead of the official free agency period in March.

Nicknamed “Hard Time,” Alexander has been a part of the Lions organization since 2022, making seven game appearances over three seasons. Despite limited opportunities, he earned a reputation as a dedicated teammate and hard worker. Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond praised Alexander in 2022, saying, “He’s been back there just listening. After practice, catching jugs. Walk through, catching jugs, just listening. And then as I’m working, he’s working.”

Alexander’s journey to the NFL is a testament to perseverance. Before joining the Lions, he worked another job and played in the USFL, where his standout performance earned him a shot in the NFL. Raymond added, “There’s a lot of work that went in between that moment—the moment he had in that game, and a lot of work that went in between that nobody saw. And that dude works his tail off.”

With the Bears, Alexander will have a fresh start under familiar leadership. Johnson, who was instrumental in Detroit’s offensive success, and Randle El, now the Bears’ wide receivers coach and assistant head coach, will provide a supportive environment for Alexander to continue his NFL career.