NFC North Notes: Lions, Packers, Vikings

Lions

Lions CB Darius Slay has one of the most uncertain futures of possibly any player in Detroit. While the team has had some discussions with Slay about an extension as he enters the final year of his contract in 2020, the Lions have also discussed a trade with numerous teams. Slay’s name also came up at the trade deadline last season. However, Slay is taking the uncertainty in stride. “Whatever happens, happens. I’m here to play ball,” he told ESPN’s Michael Rothstein, adding he wouldn’t be surprised if the Lions ultimately traded him. 

“I mean, they open for it so they probably are having some talks,” Slay said. “Probably they just have to get the right, I’m guessing, whatever the right cost and then it can happen. That’s the only thing I can get from it, really. If they can get the right price for it, they’ll probably, most likely they do it.”

Slay is one of the best corners in the NFL, and teams don’t usually make a habit of trading away good players. However, Slay’s contract status has caused somewhat of a rift between him and the team, as he held out of OTA’s last summer and has hinted he’d like to be paid at least $15 million a season. He says he would love to stay with the Lions for the rest of his career, but has already talked to his kids about the possibility that won’t happen if they won’t meet his request. 

“It’s a business so it should be looked at as a business aspect of it. If it was up to me, I would love to be here my whole career,” Slay said. “But one thing about a lot of stuff that comes, first is my family so I’ll do what’s best for my family, for them first and put my family in great position to never have to want for nothing. So that’s my goal, and if that’s being here, I’m here. If it ain’t, then I ain’t.”

• Per CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin, the Lions are among the teams who would be interested in Titans RB Dion Lewis as a backup if he’s cut by Tennessee as expected. 

Packers

• Per ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, Packers president Mark Murphy put in a request for two consecutive road games to end September and start October in 2020, as Green Bay will host the Ryder Cup followed by a matchup between Wisconsin and Notre Dame at Lambeau Field. 
• The Packers have not hired a WR coach yet, so offensive assistant Jared Vrable will help evaluate the position at the Combine. He’s also a candidate for the role. (Demovsky)

Vikings

• ESPN’s Courtney Cronin thinks the Vikings ultimately elect not to put the franchise tag on S Anthony Harris.