NFC North Round Table: Offseason Edition
By Mike Payton
What are your thoughts on the offseason thus far?
SLR: “For the most part I’ve liked what the Lions have done. Obviously this team is going through some drastic changes at the moment with the hiring of both a new president and GM. Not to mention the retirement of Calvin Johnson. But the team appears to be handling things in stride for the most part instead of falling into the rebuild the media would have you believe is going on.
Clearly the highlight of the offseason so far was the addition of Marvin Jones. There was no secret the Lions were in need of a receiver even if Calvin stayed, but I don’t think anyone thought they would go out and get the best receiver on the market. Along with improving depth, the Lions also signed Geoff Schwartz, who is expected to have a starting role along the offensive line in 2016.”
TVA: “Like many fans, coming into free agency, I had a wishlist of players that I wanted the Minnesota Vikings to go after. Although the team didn’t sign a single one of the players on my radar, they still did a great job of addressing major needs by bringing in competition at linebacker, safety, and the offensive line. In addition, the Vikings brought back the major most important free agents with contracts expiring on the team.”
Bar: “The Bears have had an excellent offseason. That’s not just my opinion, but the feeling on behalf of many analysts. Their inside linebacking problems have been addressed by adding Danny Trevathan, who led the NFL in tackles, and Jerrell Freeman, another high-volume tackler. Pro Football Focus graded both these players 2015 performances among the highest of all 3-4 inside linebackers. They’ve helped their defensive line by adding Akiem Hicks and their offensive line with Bobby Massie. Both of these players are young with a lot of upside.
Depth in the offensive line improved with the veteran signings of Ted Larsen and Manny Ramirez.Finally, special teams play was defective last season and Omar Bolden and long snapper Aaron Brewer are improvements.
This is a strong free-agent class. The team actually got younger as a result of these signings.
Among their own re-signings, tagging Alshon Jeffery was the biggest move. Too much was made of his injury problems in 2015. He played every game of both the 2013 and 14 seasons. He’s a top NFL receiver.”
APC: “Couldn’t be happier. A lot of people don’t like that Green Bay Packers General Manager Ted Thompson doesn’t like to spend money in the off-season, but I for one am in favor of it. The Packers were smart in watching other teams over spend on players through free agency, and were still able to sign tight end, Jared Cook, for a little amount of money. Cook should open up the Packers offense even more, and will do so without much cost. “
Next: What would you liked to have seen in free agency?