NFC Notes: Bears, Lions, Packers, Panthers, & Vikings

Bears

• Michael C. Wright mentions that the Bears are expected to be move to a run-heavy offense in 2015, which should mean more carries for Ka’Deem Carey.
• According to Wright, the Bears would only take Marcus Mariota if he’s deemed to be the best available player by GM Ryan Pace.
• On the subject of Jay Culter being released, Wright believes it’s doable, but he still doesn’t see it happening.

Lions

Lions DC Teryl Austin said he’s “planning on” DT Ndamukong Suh back with the team next season.

“It hasn’t crossed my mind,” Austin told DetroitLions.com when asked he’s thought about losing Suh. “I’m planning on him being back.”

Packers

• Even though Mike McCarthy referred to new Packers assistant Jerry Montgomery as DC Dom Capers‘ “right-hand man,” Rob Demovsky writes that it would be a mistake to think they’re grooming Montgomery to replace Capers.

Panthers

• According to David Newton, it’s “highly unlikely” Greg Hardy is back with the Panthers unless he’s willing to give back most of his $13.1M salary from last year, which isn’t going to happen.
• Newton writes that, in the end, Cam Newton should get a six-year contract worth $18 million to $19 million a year, and could come close to $100 million total.
• Newton still believes the Panthers need help at receiver, but mentions that they won’t have to use their first round pick to get one.

Vikings

• Ben Goessling doesn’t see the Vikings going out and spending “top dollar” on a free agent receiver this year.
• Goessling could see the Vikings targeting Bengals ILB Rey Maualuga, who has obvious ties to HC Mike Zimmer.
• Goessling isn’t sure OLB Brian Orakpo would be a fit in Minnesota, and he has obvious injury concerns.