NFC North Notes: Bears, Lions, Packers

Bears

• According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Panthers tried shopping QB Cam Newton to the Bears but Chicago wasn’t interested. 

Lions

After trading away CB Darius Slay, the Lions were able to address the position by nabbing Desmond Trufant after he was released by the Falcons. However they apparently had their sights set much higher, as they were one of the finalists for CB James Bradberry before he signed with the Giants to a three-year, $43.5 million deal. 

“It was either between the Lions and New York and I just feel like New York was the better fit for me,” Bradberry said Monday during an interview on Radio.com’s The Jim Rome Show, via NorthJersey.com’s Art Stapleton. “I knew Gettleman, so I know what type of organization he’s trying to build over there and I knew some of the players that were there as well and they had nothing but good things to say about the organization. So I feel like it was the right fit.”

While the Lions had to trade Slay because his relationship with HC Matt Patricia had become toxic to the point of no return, Bradberry says concerns about the coach didn’t factor into his decision. 

“Nah,” Bradberry said. “I feel like both organizations were great. I feel like both coaches were great coaches, I just feel like New York might have been a better feel for me. It’s a great city. It’s something new for me. I’m more of an introvert and I wanted to go to a big city just so I can explore a little bit more around the city.”

• New Lions LB Jamie Collins said he chose Detroit because he thought he could be one of the veteran additions that helped push the team over the top. (Michael Rothstein)
• The presence of former Patriots teammates, DE Trey Flowers and WR Danny Amendola, was also a big draw, as Collins says he talks to them more than his own family sometimes. (Kyle Meinke)

Packers

• Per ESPN’s Josina Anderson, Packers free-agent CB Tramon Williams is still open to returning to Green Bay but he’s letting the situation develop: “I’ve been in Green Bay practically my whole career. I’m open to returning because it’s like home, so Packers are a priority option. But, I’m also open-minded about other teams. It’s just a waiting game right now.”