The NFL offseason is among us, with the free agency period and NFL Draft looming in the near distance. Teams around the league can apply the franchise tag to certain players on their respective rosters if they choose to right now, as well as make roster cuts and trades.
The NFC North is one of the more competitive divisions in the league. The Green Bay Packers have consistently been at the top since the Brett Favre era. Now with Aaron Rodgers on the back-end of his career, the franchise has to start planning for the future sooner rather than later.
The Chicago Bears seem like they can't catch a break. After trading for Khalil Mack and drafting Mitchell Trubisky, it was believed this organization was on its way to becoming a juggernaut in the NFC. They're still trying to figure it out in Chicago, even though they made the playoffs last year.
As for the Minnesota Vikings, the team fell short during the 2020 season. However, they have a nice core to build around. With Justin Jefferson potentially becoming a top wide receiver in the league, the future looks bright for the Vikings heading into next season.
Moving over to the Detroit Lions, the team recently traded away Matthew Stafford for Jared Goff and a plethora of draft picks. They have a legitimate running back prospect in D'Andre Swift, but Kenny Golladay is set to hit the free-agent market. This franchise has many holes to fill, so they should be busy this offseason to get back on track.
With plenty of time between now and the start of the 2021 season, each team in the NFC North is likely to make some big moves this offseason. The Packers have to remain on top, the Bears should focus on finding their franchise quarterback, Minnesota needs to build upon what they have, and Detroit has to set themselves up for the future.
Here are four bold predictions for each team in the NFC North.
1. Packers sign Antonio Brown
It's not a shock the Packers need help in the wide receiver department, but it's unclear as to who they acquire. Allen Lazard is set to hit free agency and Green Bay might be letting him walk. It was speculated he'd have a big year but failed to meet expectations.
For the Packers to make it to the Super Bowl, they'll need a better caliber receiver alongside Davante Adams. Aaron Jones is likely to be leaving, but A.J. Dillon should step up as the starting running back. Signing Antonio Brown may be the perfect answer.
Although he's 32, Brown can still provide the consistency the Packers were missing last year. He'd be a high-end No. 2 option for Rodgers, and make life a bit easier for Green Bay's offense. Due to his age and lack of performance the last two seasons, the front office may be able to acquire Brown on a cheaper deal in comparison to the other top receivers in the free-agent pool.
2. Bears trade for Sam Darnold
This may not the most exciting choice for Bears' fans, but it's a possible maneuver the front office could make. Darnold has been less than stellar so far in his career, but a change of scenery may be what he needs to elevate his game. He finished last season with 2,208 passing yards and nine touchdowns through a 12 game timespan.
Mitchell Trubisky hasn't been the most reliable quarterback under center and has hardly proven to be the answer this team needs in that position. As for Darnold, there's still reason to believe he can still play in the NFL. The New York Jets never gave him a reliable team to work with. He's had to play with a lack of targets, a weak offensive line, and virtually no run game.
In comparison to the Jets, Chicago would be a much better fit for Sam Darnold. The run game is at least relevant, and the offensive line was a bit better than perceived. Additionally, Chicago has a solid defense to help prevent opponents from scoring, which was something Darnold never has had in New York. Trading for Darnold could be a win-win situation for both Chicago and Darnold.
3. Vikings draft Trey Lance
The Vikings are in an interesting position this offseason. Both sides of the ball are stacked with talent, however, they're likely not ready for a legitimate playoff push next year. It might be time for this franchise to think about their future beyond 2021, and prepare themselves for success later.
Trey Lance is an excellent prospect that probably needs some time to adjust to the NFL. The Vikings are in a great position to find Kirk Cousin's replacement this year, as Minnesota currently holds the 14th pick in the draft. They may have to move up to acquire Lance, but this is a selection that opens up the possibilities for Minnesota down the road.
4. Lions draft Devonta Smith
Lastly in the NFC North, the Lions currently hold the seventh overall pick in the draft. With Ja'Marr Chase leading the way as the top prospect receiver, the Lions should consider taking Devonta Smith if he's available at their selection. Smith finished his final season at Alabama with 117 receptions, 1,856 receiving yards, and 23 touchdowns. He also won the Heisman Trophy for his spectacular performance during the 2020 season.
Considering they just traded for Jared Goff, finding him some weapons should be high on the priority list. Goff finished last season with the Los Angeles Rams with 3,952 passing yards and 20 touchdowns. Now, playing for a new franchise, Goff aims to be the quarterback Detroit needs to get back on track.
Looking back at Goff's performance with the Rams, it's obvious he loves throwing to the slot receivers. Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods both thrived playing with Goff, but neither of them known for their ability to play the deep ball. With Golladay and Marvin Jones entering the free-agent pool, the Lions front office needs to draft a young stud like Devonta Smith, a prolific prospect who would be the perfect match for Goff in Detroit.
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