NFC Notes: Bears, 49ers, Lions

Bears

• The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain writes that cornerback moves up the list of Bears offseason needs with the release of CB Prince Amukamara, as Kevin Toliver and Tre Roberson are more developmental options right now as opposed to plug-and-play replacements. 
• Adding speed at wide receiver to replace Taylor Gabriel also becomes more of a priority, per Fishbain.
• Raiders QB Derek Carr touched off a round of speculation this week by posting a picture on Instagram of himself and former teammate, Bears LB Khalil Mack. Some fans linked that to a possible trade of Carr to the Bears, but the Las Vegas passer’s brother, David Carr, said his younger sibling was just trolling: “His son’s favorite movie is Trolls. He’s just having fun. It’s the offseason.” (Pro Football Talk)

49ers

• The Athletic’s David Lombardi writes the 49ers’ opinion of S Tarvarius Moore might play a key factor in their decision on what to do with S Jimmie Ward‘s expiring contract. 
• Moore was solid in place of Ward for the first three weeks, though he was burned a few notable times and needed to improve his tackling. If San Francisco feels like he’s ready to be a starter, they could let Ward walk and redirect the cap space elsewhere. 
• Ward noted at the end of the season that while he wants to return, the team “has the upper hand” in negotiations right now, which could hint at Ward testing the open market. 

Lions

Former Lions DT Damon Harrison took to Twitter after Detroit released him this week to show his appreciation for his time with the team. Harrison called the parting mutual, as though he had just signed a one-year extension last year, he had reportedly been mulling retirement this offseason. 

“I’m thankful for my time in Detroit, even though it was short time,” Harrison wrote. “…This release was a mutual agreement. I’m not sure what the future holds for me, but whatever it is that MF better be ready. Thank you Detroit!”

• Harrison also clarified that he didn’t hold out of OTA’s in 2019 because he wanted a new contract, but because his wife was on bed rest at the hospital while pregnant and he needed to help take care of the other kids. (Twitter)
• Lions GM Bob Quinn revealed the team’s negotiations with some of its pending free agents have been delayed by the current uncertainty around CBA talks. (Tori Petry)
• NFL Network Analyst Daniel Jeremiah believes the Lions trading down to gain more draft capital while selecting defensive players like Ohio State’s Jeffrey Okudah, Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons, Auburn’s Derrick Brown, or South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw would be their best option in the 2020 NFL Draft. (Chase Goodbread)