C.J. Stroud and Micah Parsons recently had a viral debate on which division is the toughest in the NFL. Stroud argued for the AFC North and Parsons countered with the NFC East.
The star players might have overlooked the NFC North because all four teams had strong offseasons.
The Detroit Lions addressed their glaring roster need by adding a handful of talented cornerbacks to possibly give them one of the best rosters in the league. The fast-rising Green Bay Packers made a pair of splashy moves in free agency, one on each side of the football.
The Minnesota Vikings made several noteworthy transactions to retool a roster that lost Kirk Cousins. They could be guided by first-round rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who has the luxury of throwing to many standout skill players.
The same can be said for Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears, who quickly rebuilt their roster after parting with Justin Fields. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the entire NFC North is competing for playoff spots in late December.
Here are grades and analysis for how the NFC North teams did this offseason.
Chicago Bears
Offseason grade: A
Key additions: WR Keenan Allen, S Kevin Byard, WR Rome Odunze, TE Gerald Everett, S Jonathan Owens, OL Coleman Shelton, RB D’Andre Swift, QB Caleb Williams
Key subtractions: QB Justin Fields, DT Justin Jones, WR Equanimeous St. Brown
Analysis: The Bears quickly built an ideal surrounding for Williams, leading many to believe they’re in store for a memorable 2024 season. But the Bears are more than just an intriguing offense, with a defense that made many strides under coach Matt Eberflus last season.
Williams, this year’s top pick, will have the luxury of throwing to Allen, Moore and fellow rookie Odunze—three wideouts who are capable of being the No. 1 option on most teams. The Bears traded for Allen because of his reliable hands and elite route-running skills, but most importantly, he knows how to help a rookie quarterback. Allen was instrumental in the early success of Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, who captured the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2020 with Allen as his top target.
Odunze, the No. 9 pick, might not get a high volume of targets playing alongside Moore and Allen, but he should see many favorable matchups to aid in possibly delivering an efficient rookie season. With free-agent newcomers Everett and Swift, Williams will have plenty of playmakers to possibly end the Bears’ drought of never having a 4,000-yard passer in a season. As for one underrated move, the Bears were wise to add a versatile offensive lineman in Shelton to an offensive line that has had mixed results in recent years.
The Bears might have received an A+ this offseason had they added another proven edge rusher to help Montez Sweat. They’re thin on the edges, but the Bears were one of the best run defenses in the NFL last season. Depth isn’t a problem at linebacker and in the secondary. Chicago re-signed standout cornerback Jaylon Johnson and then signed a pair of veteran safeties in Owens and Byard. The Bears probably will be a trendy team to make the postseason in the NFC in 2024.
