NFC North Notes: Lions, Vikings, Mackensie Alexander

Lions

• Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press writes that he would be “leery” about giving Lions CB Darius Slay and DL Damon Harrison contract extensions, given that they both have two years remaining on their deals. 
• Birkett believes that Detroit will likely sign at least one player who will get released from another team during final roster cuts and specifically mentioned an offensive lineman for depth or a linebacker for their special teams unit. 
• Birkett cites an NFL source who believes WR Jermaine Kearse will struggle to make the Lions’ roster: “Unless he’s one of your top WRs he’ll struggle to make the roster because he won’t be great on ST for you. He’s a good dude. Tough player. Never the fastest guy but strong and smart.”
• Regarding the Lions’ tight end position, Birkett could see Detroit keeping up to four TEs on the active roster, including T.J. Hockenson, Jesse James, and Logan Thomas, while Michael Roberts and Isaac Nauta compete for the final spot. 

Vikings

Vikings HC Mike Zimmer said he has been “very happy” with their offense during their offseason program. 

“It’s going good. I’m very, very happy with the way that it’s working, the progress that the offense has made and really the way everything is starting to come together,” said Zimmer, via Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press. 

Zimmer was not concerned about Vikings WR Stefon Diggs missing time during OTAs. 

“He’s been here. He’s been to most of them,” said Zimmer, via Tomasson. 

Mackensie Alexander

• Chris Tomasson reports that the Vikings haven’t had any negotiations with CB Mackensie Alexander regarding a potential contract extension.
• Alexander is entering the final year of his contract and Tomasson believes talks with the Vikings could eventually take place regarding a new deal.