The Detroit Lions have done pretty well this offseason, and Brad Holmes' track record in the draft means additional notable talent stands to be added to last season's NFC runner-up in late-April. This is no one-off cute story of success that isn't sustainable for years to come.
As the new kings of the NFC North, the Lions now have a proverbial target on their backs. Some people even think the Green Bay Packers are better than them now, already. The Minnesota Vikings always linger as a potential threat. The Chicago Bears looked poised to seriously rise after adding some veteran pieces, and they have two top-10 picks in the draft (including No. 1 overall of course).
We have already taken a look at one free agent move from each NFC North rival Lions fans could (or even should?) laugh at. Now, we go to the flip side to note a move from each division rival that should terrify Lions' fans.
1 move from each NFC North rival that should terrify Detroit Lions' fans
Packers upgrade to Josh Jacobs at running back
Aaron Jones is a fine running back, and no one blames him for not wanting to take a pay cut from the Packers for a second straight year. But he is 29 years old, and coming off a season where he missed six games.
In a surprise pivot (head coach Matt LaFleur has said he was surprised too) for a new lead running back, the Packers signed the 26-year old Jacobs to a four-year, $48 million deal (though it's not quite that heavy of a commitment). He's coming off a down 2023 season with the Raiders (806 rushing yards over 13 games), but in 2022 he led the league in rushing (1,626 yards) and yards from scrimmage (2,053) with 12 touchdowns on the ground.
Jacobs needed a change of scenery after two years of contract limbo with the Raiders. The Packers also have a better offense than Las Vegas ever did.
The Lions' run defense is very good, but the Packers adding Jacobs as their new lead back is not ideal.