NFC North Notes: Bears, Lions, Packers, Vikings

Bears

• According to Over The Cap’s Nick Korte, the Bears are projected to receive three sixth-round compensatory picks in 2021. 
• Bears signed WR Ted Ginn Jr. (NFLTR)
• Bears signed S Tashaun Gipson. (NFLTR)

Lions

The Lions passed up on what were arguably bigger needs to take RB D’Andre Swift with their pick in the second round. Swift joins a crowded running back room led by 2018 second-round RB Kerryon Johnson, as well as Bo Scarbrough, Ty Johnson and another 2020 rookie Detroit picked up in the late rounds, Jason Huntley. Detroit has been consistent that it wants to have a running back by committee and split the load to keep everyone healthy for the full season. 

“We’re going to use multiple running backs,” Lions GM Bob Quinn said. “We like Kerryon Johnson. We like Ty Johnson. We like Bo. So we’re going to put D’Andre in there. D’Andre’s not going to carry the ball 35 times a game, we know that. We’re going to use our backs. We’re going to use all of them. That’s why we drafted D’Andre, he’s going to be part of that package.”

• Justin Rogers of the Detroit News points out Giants LB Markus Golden likely isn’t a fit for the Lions even though they have a need at pass rusher because his arms are shorter than they prefer. 
• As far as former Seahawks DE Jadeveon Clowney, Rogers thinks the amount of money the Lions would have to offer to lure Clowney to Detroit makes a deal unlikely. 
• At guard, Rogers believes Joe Dahl has one starting spot locked up, while third-round G Jonah Jackson will push veteran Kenny Wiggins for the other spot. 
• Fourth-round G Logan Stenberg likely works as a backup and sixth offensive lineman as a rookie, per Rogers, while Oday Aboushi, Russell Bodine, Joshua Garnett and Beau Benzschawel all are on the roster bubble. 

Packers

• According to Over The Cap’s Nick Korte, the Packers are projected to receive fourth, fifth and sixth-round compensatory picks in 2021. 
• Korte adds the Packers could potentially add a seventh-round comp pick or protect another pick if they cut WR Devin Funchess before he accrues 10 weeks. 
• If the Packers keep Funchess and the Browns cut LB B.J. Goodson, Green Bay could lose the sixth-round pick its projected to receive from losing LB Kyler Fackrell.

Vikings

• Though the Vikings were involved in some trade talks with the Redskins for LT Trent Williams before he ended up with the 49ers, the veteran says he didn’t veto a trade to Minnesota so much as the Vikings were “dropping out” when it became clear the two sides’ long-term vision didn’t “sync up,” per ESPN’s Nick Wagoner.
• According to Over The Cap’s Nick Korte, the Vikings are projected to receive third and sixth-round compensatory picks in 2021. 
• Per ESPN’s Courtney Cronin, Vikings undrafted free agent CB Nevelle Clarke said he turned down offers from the Bengals and Chargers in part to reunite with former UCF teammate CB Mike Hughes: “We used to be together side by side, same defense. He went to the league, now I’m coming right behind him.”
• The Steelers also had an offer out for Clarke. (Darren Wolfson)