NFC Notes: Bears, Lions, Packers, Vikings

Bears

Bears HC Matt Nagy said the team was impressed by QB Justin Fields ability to play well being under media pressure for two years at Ohio State.

“One of the things that I like looking for, and I know Ryan [Pace] does too, you look for this with a quarterback, is how do they rise up when everyone’s watching, when that moment is just huge?” Nagy said, via Albert Breer. “Justin’s been doing this his whole entire life. You go back to high school and all these Elite 11 camps he’s been to, and he’s just always had a camera following him. And that’s probably one of the things, when we were able to get him here, after we drafted him, the next day, you could really feel it, like nothing’s too big for this kid. And everything Ryan and I saw on tape, you could see it in person. Every minute that went by when he was in our building in, you could just feel his presence. You could just feel his quiet confidence. You can feel a little chip on his shoulder, which I love. But you can also feel his humility, and you can feel this kid is so eager to learn how to grow and how to be a great NFL quarterback.”

Nagy also said he talked with QB Andy Dalton about potentially taking a quarterback in the draft

“I talked to him earlier in the day on Thursday, and we were just catching up,” Nagy said. “And at the same time I said, ‘Hey, listen man, I have no idea which way this thing may go, you never know, but all positions are open and we can do a lot of different things, including at quarterback. So I just want you to understand that and be aware for that. But I can’t predict anything right now. It’s just too hard.’ You know Andy, he’s a pro’s pro, and he understands it. That’s just how that was. Once it ended up happening and we got Justin, the rest of the night went on, the rest of the draft went on, and then I called Andy and I talked to him. I explained to him that this is where we’re at, and again, without getting into our personal conversation, which is only fair to Andy and myself, he handled it like an absolute pro. He understands.”

Lions

Despite picking up the fifth-year option on C Frank Ragnow, new Lions’ GM Brad Holmes said a few days ago he wanted to extend the Pro Bowl center’s contract in the near future. That deal didn’t take long, as Ragnow signed a $70 million extension on Thursday. 

“It’s extremely important. We already view him as a long-term piece and he is a foundational piece because Frank is a guy that plays the game the right way,” Holmes said, via Kyle Meinke of MLive.com. “He’s everything that we look for and what we want as a Lion. I’ll never forget when it first got announced that I got the job, Frank reached out immediately. I told him, ‘Man, huge fan of you and you play the game the right way.’ So, very important to get it done. Not going to comment on timetable right now — that would be a little bit premature — but we’re not sitting back and waiting on that one.”

• According to Justin Rogers, the Lions save $1.3 million by releasing RB Kerryon Johnson.
• Chris Burke reports some in the Lions building were concerned about Johnson’s long-term health due to his knee injuries.

Packers

Former Packers WR James Jones doesn’t believe that Aaron Rodgers is leaking information about his current situation with the organization, nor is he looking to get GM Brian Gutekunst fired or gain leverage in contract negotiations.

Vikings

• Vikings’ recently signed WR Blake Proehl received a $15,000 signing bonus and $100,000 guaranteed for 2021. (Chris Tomasson)
• Vikings K Riley Patterson receives a $5,000 signing bonus and $15,000 guaranteed.
• Vikings DT Zeandae Johnson receives a $10,000 signing bonus and $10,000 guaranteed. 
• Vikings LS Turner Bernard signed without any guarantees or signing bonus.
• Vikings’ recently signed undrafted Shane Zylstra said the coaching staff plans on converting him from wide receiver to tight end. (Tomasson)