NFL free agency kicks off at 4:00 p.m. on March 9, and in the lead-up Sportsnet is looking at one division a day to assess areas of need and players who could be on the move. Today, the NFC North.
CHICAGO BEARS
The Bears have plenty of cap space but with huge holes at wideout and QB, they’ll need much more on both sides of the ball to compete in one of the toughest divisions in football. Now in their third year at the helm, GM Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox have had little past success utilizing free agency. Last year, they only had 12 players they’d inherited on the roster, and just six of them were starters.
Biggest potential loss: Alshon Jeffery, WR
The Bears don’t intend to use the franchise tag on Jeffery after he played under it for 14.6 million last season. Tagging him for the second consecutive year would cost the team $17-18 million, steep for a player who has lined up for all 16 games in just two of his five seasons. Jeffery is still an attractive asset, though. In 2013-14 he was as good as any receiver in football with 174 receptions, 2,554 yards and 17 TDs. That production did of course drop to 106 catches, 1,628 yards and six TD’s over the last two years, but that could be due to health and poor QB play.
Potential target: DeSean Jackson, WR
The Bears may choose to address their QB issues with the third pick in the draft, a selection that might be too high to take a wide receiver without trading down. Plus, they recently drafted a WR a highly touted receiver in Kevin White. I think they should work to keep Jeffery. But if he walks, Jackson could provide similar ability to stretch the defence at a lower cap number.
DETROIT LIONS
Biggest needs: LB, DE, WR
The Lions finished 30th in rushing last season, but that had more to do with injuries than a lack of skill in the backfield. They need to focus on their inability to get to the passer and their lack of depth at linebacker if they want to improve their 18th-ranked defence.
Biggest potential loss: Anquan Boldin, WR
He may not be a long-term option, but Boldin did suit up for all 16 games last year and is a great red-zone target, still tallying eight TD catches last year. That said, it does makes sense to avoid overpaying a 37-year-old wide receiver.
Potential target: Dont’a Hightower, LB
Quite frankly, Hightower is the best linebacker on the market. The former Patriots in the Lions’ front office should value a player raised in New England’s system. In 13 games for the Patriots last year, he put up 65 tackles and 2.5 sacks. After reportedly turning down $10 million to stay in New England, Hightower would provide good value at $12-14 million.
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Biggest needs: RB, CB, OLB
Green Bay sustained multiple injuries to a secondary that wasn’t that good to begin with in 2016. That unit ultimately ranked 31st league-wide and the Packers have already cut Sam Shields looking to start fresh and rebuild. Their 30th-ranked offence also needs to improve in order to provide Aaron Rodgers with some options, but that could be addressed in the draft with running back Christian McCaffrey looking like a potential target.
Biggest potential loss: Jared Cook, TE
Nick Perry could also walk on Green Bay and he’s a slightly better player than Cook, but if Perry leaves the team should have the outside linebacker depth to deal with it. Richard Rodgers would be the only notable tight end left on the roster without Cook. Certainly, Aaron Rodgers wouldn’t want to lose his security blanket, who was massive in the playoffs and a fantasy sleeper as the year went on.
Potential target: Stephon Gilmore, CB
Turning 27 in September, Gilmore is in the age range that should appeal to Green Bay. He also has the leadership traits to make him a captain of the defence from the back end. With a new coaching staff taking over in Buffalo, Gilmore will have no lasting allegiances to the club that drafted him if Green Bay offers equal money and a better chance at winning.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Biggest needs: RB, OT, G
Minnesota already has a championship-level defence, ranking third in total D despite being on the field constantly due to the team’s poor offence. Boosting the attack is the No. 1 priority. Especially on the ground, where the Vikings ranked dead last in the league with just 75.3 yards a game.
Biggest potential loss: Adrian Peterson, RB
Peterson was not worth $18 million a year given his age and declining production, but there’s a psychological toll to losing him given that he’s been the sole face of the franchise since he was drafted. Back-up Matt Asiata is also an unrestricted free agent. Even if Peterson returned, they’d need a succession plan at the position. Without him, they’ll also need a new face to market pro football in Minnesota.
Potential target: Kevin Zeitler, G
No matter who is running the ball, they aren’t going to be successful unless the offensive line — in need of an upgrade at both tackle and guard — is overhauled. Top-end tackles rarely hit the open market, so the greater likelihood of improvement comes at guard. Zeitler developed in Cincinnati, working at one point with now-Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer. He’d also be an upgrade over Brandon Fusco who struggled to stay healthly and was cut after the season
Source: SportsNet