NFC Notes: Bears, Lions, Packers

Bears

• Kevin Fishbain notes that Bears DT Bilal Nichols and C James Daniels received “proven performance escalators” to increase their 2021 base salaries. Nichols salary increases from $920,000 to $2.183 million for next season while Daniels will earn $2.183 million after being slated to make $1.437 million. 

Lions

• Regarding the Lions hiring former Chargers HC Anthony Lynn as their new offensive coordinator, Michael Rothstein of ESPN writes that the veteran coach will provide an “experienced voice” for first-year HC Dan Campbell.
• Rothstein also points out that Lions’ new QBs coach Mark Brunell had a 19-year playing career despite being a first-time NFL assistant coach. 
• As for a potential quarterback acquisition to keep an eye on, Rothstein names veteran Tyrod Taylor because of his background with Lynn while in Buffalo and Los Angeles. 

Packers

• Tom Silverstein reports that Packers HC Matt LaFleur will search leaguewide for a new defensive coordinator, but that doesn’t mean DB coach Jerry Gray will not get the job after a number of outside sources are interviewed.
• Matt Schneidman of The Athletic takes a look at ten candidates for the Packers’ defensive coordinator job, including Gray, OLB coach Mike Smith, former Rams’ DC Wade Phillips, Wisconsin DC Jim Leonhard, assistant coach Kris Richard, Texas A&M DC Mike Elko, Steelers’ DB coach Teryl Austin, and Michigan State DC Scottie Hazelton.