NFC North Notes: Bears, Lions, Packers

Bears

Bears RB Jordan Howard told reporters on Tuesday that his agent spoke to the team regarding the trade rumors that surfaced this offseason and the team assured them that he won’t be traded.

“[The Bears] told my agent they had no plans to trade me or anything like that,” Howard said, via ESPN.com. “So, that’s comforting.”

Howard added that he wasn’t bothered by the fact that his name came up in trade rumors.

“It’s a business so you’ve got to understand that. I really wasn’t hurt about that [the trade rumors] or anything,” Howard said.

• The trade rumor that surfaced a few months ago involving Howard mentioned him being a poor fit in new HC Matt Nagy’s offense. However, Nagy said of Howard: “To sit here and say he doesn’t fit this offense isn’t very fair.’‘ (David Haugh)
• Nagy said they plan to use multiple running back this year, but Howard will be their main guy. (Jeff Dickerson)

Lions

Lions QB Matthew Stafford told reporters on Tuesday that he’s looking forward to working with new HC Matt Patricia in the coming days.

“I’m definitely looking forward to it,” Stafford said, via DetroitLions.com. “Obviously he comes from a program that’s won a lot of football games a lot of different ways and he’s a smart guy. We’ll enjoy those conversations when they come around.”

“We’re bringing in a guy from a team that has a lot of wins under his belt,” Stafford added. “Obviously, he’s a first-time head coach but has thought about this I’m sure for a long time and how he wants things to go.

“We’re excited to have him. He’s bringing great energy and great passion for the game and it’s on us to match that and exceed it.”

Packers

• Packers QB Aaron Rodgers was asked about getting an extension in place with Green Bay: “There’s interest on both sides in getting something done. They’ve obviously made a number of statements over the offseason, but my focus is here.” (Ryan Wood)
• As for some of the notable personnel changes made by the team this offseason, Rodgers said: “This process works, and it has worked for [head coach] Mike [McCarthy] for a number of years. Obviously, that’s why he’s still here in his 13th season. We’ve had a lot of success here, and just got to trust the process.” (Ryan Wood)
• New Packers TE Jimmy Graham said he turned down “quite a significant amount of money” to play for Green Bay: “There was a lot of teams out there who were really pulling on me and I turned down quite a significant amount of money to come here because I believe in not only Mike but, I mean, ‘12’s’ hungry,” Graham said. “I know how he is and I know how competitive he is and I want to ride that wave and try to help him as best I can.”
• Arizona OT Gerhard de Beer is visiting with the Packers on Tuesday and into Wednesday. (Brett Tessler)