NFC Notes: Bears, Lions, Packers, Rashan Gary

Bears

• The Chicago Bears issued a statement regarding LB Matthew Adams‘ recent arrest for possession of a firearm: “Earlier this morning, we were made aware of an incident involving the arrest of Bears Linebacker Matthew Adams. We are in the process of gathering more information. We will refrain from making any further comment at this time.” (Courtney Cronin)

• CBS Sports analyst and former agent Joel Corry writes that Bears LB Roquan Smith has a case to hit the top of the linebacker market set by Colts LB Darius Leonard at $19.7 million a year. 
• If Smith and the Bears can’t work out an extension, Corry thinks it’s probable he hits unrestricted free agency as teams rarely use the franchise tag on off-ball linebackers. 

Lions

• The Athletic’s Chris Burke and Nick Baumgardner note the Lions have set themselves up much better with depth this season which will lead to tougher decisions when finalizing the roster. That starts at running back with Craig Reynolds, Jermar Jefferson, and Godwin Igwebuike competing for the No. 3 role. Burke and Baumgardner give the edge to Reynolds but point out Igwebuike’s special teams experience is a big edge. 
• The two write WR Trinity Benson is currently the leader for the final receiver spot but he’ll have to keep up his momentum during training camp. 
• On the defensive line, Burke and Baumgardner point out Detroit’s improved depth could put guys like DL John Cominsky and DE Austin Bryant on the wrong side of the bubble. 
• There’s also heavy competition for the backup linebacker roles, per Burke and Baumgardner, with special teams a heavy factor. Shaun Dion Hamilton, Josh Woods, and Anthony Pittman compete for one or two roster spots. 
• They add there’s a similar dynamic at safety with Brady Breeze, C.J. Moore, and JuJu Hughes competing for perhaps just one spot. 

Packers

Packers OLB Rashan Gary‘s goal is to become the best player at his position and help Green Bay win a Super Bowl. 

“I want to be the best at my position,” Gary said, via Bill Huber of FanNation. “When you say things like that, that’s where I want to be able to be top of the categories and things. But my No. 1 thing is bringing a ring back. So, I’m not really into all that, how people are looking at me. I’m into whatever I’ve got to do for this team so we can bring back the ring.”

Gary said he’s been working with OLBs coach Jason Rebrovich and is helping bring along the younger players on the roster. 

“I’m just here trying to get better. We’re getting closer to the season so I’m here working with my outside linebacker coach and trying to bring the team together as we can. Got a lot of young pieces here. I want to make sure that they know the importance of building a championship team. We don’t have time to correct things. We’ve got to hit it full speed. So, I’m happy to be here so I can push the young guys, but I’m just here to get better for myself and better for this team.”

Gary, who is entering the third year of his four-year rookie contract, said it’s his “dream” to receive an extension from the organization. 

“That would be my dream. That would be my dream. But I’ve got to keep my head down and work and not look too far ahead or all this talk is just talk.”