NFC North Notes: Lions, Packers, Vikings

Lions

• According to Tim Twentyman of the official team website, sixth-round RB Ty Johnson‘s ticket onto the final roster could hinge on his ability to return kicks. 
• Twentyman adds the Lions could elect to use one of their tight ends or G Joe Dahl as a fullback this year instead of carrying FB Nick Bawden on the 53-man roster.  

Packers

According to Richard Ryman of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, the Packers reported a record $477.9 million in revenue to go along with $477.2 million in expenses during the fiscal year that ended March 31.

“For the long term, we are in a strong, stable financial position,” said Packers President and CEO Mark Murphy. “It was a unique year. We did have some atypical expenses. I don’t see any of these as long-term issues.”

Regarding the expenses, the Packers had increases in free agent signings, coaching staff changes, payments to a league-wide concussion settlement, and costs of the Packers’ 100 Seasons celebration.

Green Bay reported net income of $8.4 million, which is up from $38.6 million in 2017. However, they had a profit from operations was $724,000, compared to $34.1 million the previous year.

National revenue for the year was up $18.4 million to $274.3 million while player costs increased $30 million to $242 million.

Local income from the team increased $4.7 million to $203.7 million.

Vikings

• According to Tony Pauline of PFN, the Vikings had been doing “a lot of digging deep” on Washington State S Jalen Thompson and the belief is that they put in a late-round bid for him.