The first wave of free agency has wrapped up, and it’s been a busy week across the NFC North, with notable moves shaping each team’s roster. Here’s a breakdown of how each team has shifted after the initial wave of free agent signings:
DETROIT
2024 Record: 15-2 (Division Champs)
Top Re-signings: LB Derrick Barnes, DT Levi Onwuzurike, DE Marcus Davenport, WR Tim Patrick, LB Anthony Pittman, LB Ezekiel Turner, DL Myles Adams
Key Additions: CB D.J. Reed, DT Roy Lopez, LB Grant Stuard
Free-agent Losses: CB Carlton Davis III, G Kevin Zeitler, S Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB Kindle Vildor
Twentyman’s Take:
General Manager Brad Holmes made a strategic move by signing D.J. Reed after losing Carlton Davis III to the Patriots, solidifying Detroit’s cornerback group with Reed, Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson, and Ennis Rakestraw Jr.. Bringing back Tim Patrick as the No. 3 receiver was also a savvy move, as he proved to be a great fit last year.
Holmes is now focused on keeping the core homegrown talent with big extensions for players like Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jared Goff, and Alim McNeill. With Aidan Hutchinson and Kerby Joseph up for extensions, the priority is to re-sign these key pieces before diving into outside free agency.
A veteran guard might still be added to the mix in the coming weeks to boost competition along the line.
MINNESOTA
2024 Record: 14-3
Top Re-signings: CB Byron Murphy Jr., RB Aaron Jones, S Harrison Smith, S Theo Jackson, P Ryan Wright
Key Additions: DT Jonathan Allen, DT Javon Hargrave, G Will Fries, C Ryan Kelly, CB Isaiah Rodgers, DB Tavierre Thomas, OL Justin Skule
Free-agent Losses: QB Sam Darnold, QB Daniel Jones, DE Patrick Jones II, S Camryn Bynum, G Ed Ingram (trade)
Twentyman’s Take:
The potential J.J. McCarthy era may be underway in Minnesota following the departure of both Darnold and Jones. Whether McCarthy can replicate Darnold’s success in Kevin O’Connell’s system will be a key determinant of the Vikings’ success in 2025. There are rumors that the team may still pursue a veteran quarterback to add competition.
The Vikings have made solid moves to bolster both the offensive and defensive lines with the additions of Hargrave and Allen, key to strengthening the roster as they move forward.
GREEN BAY
2024 Record: 11-6
Top Re-signings: K Brandon McManus, LB Isaiah McDuffie
Key Additions: G Aaron Banks (reportedly), CB Nate Hobbs
Free-agent Losses: RB A.J. Dillon, DT T.J. Slaton, CB Eric Stokes, C Josh Myers
Twentyman’s Take:
The Packers were proactive in free agency, making key additions with Banks and Hobbs, addressing some of their biggest needs. However, Green Bay could still use more help along the defensive line and at receiver, which they may target in the second wave of free agency.
Brian Gutekunst, the Packers’ general manager, remains optimistic about opportunities in the market, stating, “Every free agency class is a little bit different. This one doesn’t seem to be as strong as some, but we’ll kind of see how it goes.”
CHICAGO
2024 Record: 5-12
Top Re-signings: DB Tarvarius Moore, LB Amen Ogbongbemiga, DB Josh Blackwell, DT Chris Williams
Key Additions: C Drew Dalman, DE Dayo Odeyingbo, DT Grady Jarrett, G Joe Thuney (trade), G Jonah Jackson (trade), TE Durham Smythe
Free-agent Losses: Edge Darrell Taylor (reportedly)
Twentyman’s Take:
Ben Johnson, the new head coach in Chicago, has taken lessons from Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes in Detroit, focusing on winning games in the trenches. This offseason, Johnson has prioritized strengthening both the offensive and defensive lines, which is crucial for protecting the quarterback and improving the run game.
The Bears traded for Thuney and Jackson and signed Dalman, aiming to ensure better protection for Caleb Williams, the most sacked quarterback in the league last season. The additions of Jarrett and Odeyingbo should significantly boost the defensive line. Don’t be surprised if the Bears target a tackle in the Top 10 of next month’s NFL Draft to complete their rebuild.
