NFC North Notes: Bears, Lions, Packers, Vikings

Bears

• Field Yates reports that the Bears freed up $2.25M in cap space by converting DT Eddie Goldman‘s $3M roster bonus to a signing bonus last week. 

Lions

According to Dave Birkett, the Lions announced several official coaching staff hires, including:

• Kyle Caskey, running backs coach
• Marquice Williams, assistant ST coach
• Leon Washington, coaching assistant
• Stephen Thomas, defensive quality control
• Rodney Hill, assistant strength coach. 

Detroit also changed Harold Nash’ title to football performance coordinator while Josh Schuler is the strength and power coordinator, per Kyle Meinke.

Packers

• Interestingly enough, Peter King reports that the Packers previously tried to trade for Ravens OLB Za’Darius Smith, who could be a target for them in free agency. 
• Tom Silverstein reports that the Packers recently had talks with S Tashaun Gipson, but it appears he’ll be signing elsewhere. 
• According to Michael Cohen, the Packers are interested in bringing back S Ibraheim Campbell closer to training camp after he recovers from a torn ACL suffered in Week 13.  
• The Packers plan to tender exclusive rights free agent LB Reggie Gilbert, G Justin McCray, WR Jake Kumerow, TE Robert Tonyan and OL Lucas Patrick. (Rob Demovsky)

Vikings

• According to Chris Tomasson, the Vikings want to re-sign G Nick Easton, who missed 2018 with a neck injury.