By Blessing 
NFC North Free Agency Recap: Where Things Stand After a Busy First Week
The opening wave of NFL free agency is in the books, and it’s already reshaping the NFC North. While some teams made splashy additions, others focused on retaining key talent and setting themselves up for long-term success. Each team enters the next phase of the offseason with different priorities and strategies, but one thing’s clear—there’s no shortage of movement across the division.
Let’s break down what the first few days of free agency brought to the Lions, Vikings, Packers, and Bears.
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DETROIT LIONS
2024 Record: 15-2 (Division Champions)
Key Re-signings: LB Derrick Barnes, DT Levi Onwuzurike, DE Marcus Davenport, WR Tim Patrick, LB Anthony Pittman, LB Ezekiel Turner, DL Myles Adams
Notable Additions: CB D.J. Reed, DT Roy Lopez, LB Grant Stuard
Departures: CB Carlton Davis III, G Kevin Zeitler, S Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB Kindle Vildor
The Lions didn’t go on a spending spree this offseason—and honestly, they didn’t need to. Their focus has shifted more toward retaining their core than chasing big-name signings.
One of the smartest moves came in the form of adding cornerback D.J. Reed. With Carlton Davis heading to New England, Reed brings experience and versatility to a group that now includes Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson, and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. It’s a strong, well-rounded unit that should give Detroit flexibility in coverage.
Re-signing wide receiver Tim Patrick as their third option in the passing game was another quiet but effective move. He’s proven to be a reliable target and fits seamlessly into Ben Johnson’s offensive scheme.
GM Brad Holmes has clearly leaned into a philosophy of “draft, develop, and retain.” And because Detroit has drafted exceptionally well over the last few years, the emphasis now lies in keeping that homegrown talent. It’s a great problem to have—but an expensive one. Just look at the recent extensions for Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jared Goff, and Alim McNeill. And with players like Aidan Hutchinson and Kerby Joseph likely next in line, there’s more check-writing ahead.
As Holmes continues to balance his cap, don’t be surprised if the Lions add a veteran guard to compete with Graham Glasgow and rookie Christian Mahogany.
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MINNESOTA VIKINGS
2024 Record: 14-3
Key Re-signings: CB Byron Murphy Jr., RB Aaron Jones, S Harrison Smith, S Theo Jackson, P Ryan Wright
Notable Additions: DT Jonathan Allen, DT Javon Hargrave, G Will Fries, C Ryan Kelly, CB Isaiah Rodgers, DB Tavierre Thomas, OL Justin Skule
Departures: QB Sam Darnold, QB Daniel Jones, DE Patrick Jones II, S Camryn Bynum (Ed Ingram via trade)
Minnesota enters a potential new era at quarterback following the departures of both Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones. All signs now point toward rookie J.J. McCarthy getting the first crack at leading Kevin O’Connell’s offense in 2025. The big question: can McCarthy replicate the success Darnold had in this system?
There have been whispers that Minnesota might still look to add a veteran quarterback to challenge or mentor the rookie—something to keep an eye on as the market develops.
Meanwhile, the Vikings made notable strides in the trenches. Signing veterans like Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave significantly boosts the defensive line. On offense, they’ve bolstered the interior with Ryan Kelly and Will Fries—smart moves to support a young quarterback and maintain control at the line of scrimmage.
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GREEN BAY PACKERS
2024 Record: 11-6
Key Re-signings: K Brandon McManus, LB Isaiah McDuffie
Notable Additions: G Aaron Banks (reportedly), CB Nate Hobbs
Departures: RB A.J. Dillon, DT T.J. Slaton, CB Eric Stokes, C Josh Myers
Green Bay may not have made as many moves as their division rivals, but the ones they did make addressed clear needs. The Packers went after guard Aaron Banks, reportedly locking him in with a big deal. They also added cornerback Nate Hobbs to reinforce their secondary.
Those additions fill two of the biggest holes on the roster heading into free agency. Still, there’s work to do. Defensive line depth and wide receiver help remain on the to-do list as the second wave of free agency approaches.
General Manager Brian Gutekunst seemed cautiously optimistic when asked about this year’s free-agent crop during the NFL Combine:
“Every free agency class is a little bit different. This one doesn’t seem to be probably as strong as some, but we’ll kind of see how it goes.”
Expect the Packers to continue adding depth in the coming weeks, but the big swings may already be behind them.
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CHICAGO BEARS
2024 Record: 5-12
Key Re-signings: DB Tarvarius Moore, LB Amen Ogbongbemiga, DB Josh Blackwell, DT Chris Williams
Notable Additions: C Drew Dalman, DE Dayo Odeyingbo, DT Grady Jarrett, G Joe Thuney (trade), G Jonah Jackson (trade), TE Durham Smythe
Departures: Edge Darrell Taylor (reportedly)
In his first offseason at the helm, head coach Ben Johnson is already leaving his imprint on this Bears roster—and it starts in the trenches.
Having spent time under Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes in Detroit, Johnson clearly absorbed one key philosophy: win in the trenches. The Bears took that lesson to heart by trading for top-tier guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson and signing center Drew Dalman. Protecting Caleb Williams—last year’s most-sacked quarterback—is clearly priority No. 1.
“Good offensive football is all about protecting the quarterback and being able to run the football,” Johnson believes, and his roster moves back that up.
Defensively, bringing in Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo gives the line a veteran presence and a much-needed upgrade. With both fronts significantly improved, Chicago looks like a team on the rise—even if the record doesn’t yet reflect it.
Looking ahead, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Bears target an offensive tackle in the Top 10 of next month’s NFL Draft to continue that trench-focused rebuild.
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Final Thoughts
The NFC North has been one of the league’s most active divisions early in free agency. While Detroit focuses on keeping its core intact, Minnesota looks poised to start a new chapter under center. Green Bay made strategic, targeted additions, while Chicago is building from the inside out under new leadership.
And with plenty of offseason still to go, expect even more movement in the coming weeks.