NFC North Notes: Lions, Packers, Vikings

Lions

• After being released by Detroit, G T.J. Lang is reportedly considering retirement.  (Dave Birkett)
• Detroit LB Trevor Bates appeared in a New York court on Friday for five charges, including 2nd-degree assault, stemming from an incident in February. His next hearing is in June. (Birkett)
• Bates has also checked out of the psychiatric ward he was receiving treatment in.  (Birkett)

Packers

• ESPN’s Dianna Russini reported Thursday night that the Packers did have interest in trading for WR Antonio Brown. 
• However, Rob Demovsky says Green Bay never engaged the Steelers in trade talks for Brown. 
• Ian Rapoport also reports that the Packers were never in the mix for Brown. 
• Tom Silverstein says if the price drops, Green Bay could still look at trading for Brown contingent upon what he wants with his contract. 
• Silverstein could see the Packers bringing back LB Antonio Morrison, who was waived Friday, at a cheaper price.
• According to Silverstein, the Packers tendered exclusive rights free agent TE Robert Tonyan on Friday.

Vikings

• Chris Tomasson reports the Vikings are trying to re-sign DB and punt returner Marcus Sherels. 
• Minnesota is also discussing potentially re-signing G Nick Easton, who is reportedly fully recovered from a neck injury that cost him his 2018 season. (Tomasson)
• The Vikings are having conversations about a new deal for WR Adam Thielen that would put him among the highest paid receivers in the league, but that deal might not happen until the summer.  (Tomasson)