NFC North Offseason Changes

After the NFL Draft, the pro football landscape is always different. How the changes affect the league are speculated on a lot, but we don’t fully know how the changes will unfold until the games begin. The NFC North has created a number of noticeable storylines in the offseason, but one question obviously dominates the discussion in this division.

Green Bay Packers

This is an offseason change without an actual roster change… at least at this point. The change in Green Bay is that Aaron Rodgers has a big problem with the Packers and how they have treated him. Yes, this relationship was difficult and uncomfortable last year, but it has gotten worse. Rodgers has very clearly refrained from making a decision about his playing status in 2021. It is widely believed that he is mulling over a decision on whether to play for the team, not play for the team but continue playing in the NFL, or – as a third option – retire and possibly become the full-time host of the game show Jeopardy. If Rodgers plays for the Packers, it will – experts agree – be his last season with the team, a final go-round before the quarterback insists on a new chapter, on or off the field. If Rodgers either accepts a trade to another team (the Broncos and Raiders have been mentioned as possibilities) or retires, it would instantly change the balance of power in the NFC. The Packers would cease to be a top-tier Super Bowl contender. We will see what changes emerge in the coming months, and what Rodgers decides to do.

Chicago Bears

The Bears, like the Packers, have had an offseason completely connected to the quarterback position. Everything else the Bears (like the Packers) are doing means little if they can’t get the QB position right. Unlike the Packers, though, the Bears now have hope that their future will be prosperous. They are growing in optimism instead of losing it.

The Bears made a trade with the New York Giants to move up in the draft and take Justin Fields at No. 11. The Bears made a bold move, the kind of move they have been unable and unwilling to make in the past. If they hit the Fields pick, they will become the NFC North team with a clear edge at quarterback, and will be in position to control the division the way the Packers have the past 10 years under Aaron Rodgers.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings had a weird offseason and did not make the splashy moves they needed to make in order to rise above the Packers in the NFC North. They got cornerback Patrick Peterson from the Cardinals, defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson from the Giants, and edge rusher Stephen Weatherly from the Panthers… none a true needle-mover in the division or the NFC. Lineman Riley Reiff went to the Bengals, cornerback Mike Hughes went to the Chiefs, and linebacker Eric Wilson went to the Eagles.

The Vikings drafted lineman Christian Darrisaw in the first round to give quarterback Kirk Cousins more protection, but didn’t get another big wide receiver for Cousins to beef up their passing game. They aren’t as strong as they were when Stefon Diggs was still on the roster. The Vikings are hoping Cousins will be better… which isn’t much of a strategy for the future.

Detroit Lions

The Lions’ main change was with their coaching staff and their quarterback. Matt Patricia is out as head coach, replaced by New Orleans Saints assistant Dan Campbell. The Lions lost quarterback Matthew Stafford to the Rams, and Jared Goff came to the Motor City for a new start in his career. The Lions are in rebuilding mode and will probably need at least three seasons to turn around their fortunes. They obtained Michael Brockers from the Rams and Breshad Perriman from the Jets. They lost veteran kicker Matt Prater to the Cardinals and cornerback Desmond Trufant to the Bears.