NFC North Notes: Bears, Lions, Packers, Vikings

Bears

• According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the Bears gave undrafted DT Lacale London a $10,000 signing bonus and guaranteed $10,000 of his base salary. 
• Chicago also gave undrafted DT Trevon McSwain a $12,500 signing bonus and guaranteed $15,000 of his base salary. 

Lions

Regarding the Lions reportedly backing out of a trade with the Texans on Friday, GM Bob Quinn refuted that they had a trade on the table with Houston.

“Listen, we talk to a lot of teams,” said Quinn, via Kyle Meinke of MLive.com. “When we’re not on the clock, we talk to a bunch of teams, and it’s not just myself. We’ve got four or five people that make calls, so I’m not sure what that was about. But we didn’t have a trade.”

• Quinn said the Lions have not decided on whether they are exercising ILB Jarrad Davis‘ fifth-year option. (Michael Rothstein)

• Jeremy Fowler reports that the Lions considered signing free-agent running backs like  Carlos Hyde for their No. 2 role but decided to select second-round RB D’Andre Swift instead. 

Packers

Regarding the decision to draft first-round QB Jordan Love, Packers HC Matt LaFleur said he expects Aaron Rodgers to remain a team-leader “for a long time.”

“Obviously, Aaron Rodgers is the leader of this football team, and my expectation is that he will be for a long time,” LaFleur said, via Mike Silver of NFL.com. “I sincerely love the guy, and I love working with him, and it’s a hell of a lot of fun. I’m really excited about where we can take this, and that hasn’t changed one bit.”

LaFleur added he is excited to coach Love and feels he is entering the “perfect situation” with the Packers. 

“I’m pumped about getting to coach this young quarterback,” LaFleur said. “This kid has a chance to be really good, and what a perfect situation for him: He has a chance to come here and soak it all in and learn from one of the best quarterbacks — if not the best — of all time. He’s a humble kid who will take accountability and try to get better and better. And he will definitely have a front-row seat to greatness.”

LaFleur mentioned that Packers GM Brian Gutekunst has a “great vision” for the organization and believes they will be able to accomplish a lot “this season and beyond.” 

“Gutey has a great vision for where we want to go and I’m excited about what we might be able to accomplish this season and beyond. I know people are going to analyze and overanalyze, but Aaron is a consummate pro and terrific teammate, and he’s our leader, and I love coaching him,” said LeFleur. 

Gutekunst added that the Packers drafting Love at No. 26 overall does not affect Rodgers’ status as their starting quarterback. 

“In my mind, it doesn’t really affect him that much. He’s still the quarterback of this team, and he will be for awhile. Hopefully we win championships with him,” said Gutekunst, via Ryan Wood.

• According to Albert Breer, the Packers felt compelled to trade up with the Dolphins at No. 26 to select Love because they were “concerned” that the Seahawks or Ravens would trade the No. 27 or 28 picks to a quarterback-needy team. 
• Charles Robinson reports that the Packers’ alternative option prior to trading up for Love was to select a linebacker.

Vikings

• Vikings undrafted LB Blake Lynch received $40,000 guaranteed, $10,000 in a signing bonus and $30,000 of his base salary. (Aaron Wilson)
• Vikings undrafted WR Quartney Davis received $100,000 guaranteed, $10,000 in a signing bonus and $90,000 of his base salary. Minnesota outbid the Cowboys to get Davis to switch his commitment. (Aaron Wilson)