NFC Notes: Bears, Lions, Vikings

Bears

Bears outside linebackers coach Ted Monachino says there are no issues regarding Khalil Mack‘s motivation and they feel like he’s approached the offseason with something to prove.

“Motivation is not an issue with Khalil — never has been,” Monachino said, via the Chicago Tribune. “But what I’ll tell you is that he has approached this offseason with something to prove, and that’s something that we all can be encouraged by. That’s something that’s exciting when a player of his caliber approaches his work the way he has approached it.”

Lions

• DetroitNews.com’s Justin Rogers writes that Lions WR Kenny Golladay could be eyeing the five-year, $100 million deal Cowboys WR Amari Cooper signed as a benchmark for his extension with Detroit. 
• Even factoring in that the cap isn’t expected to grow following the pandemic, Rogers says Golladay could still land something like a five-year, $85 million deal with $50 million guaranteed. 
• If the two sides can’t come to an agreement, Rogers points out the franchise tag in 2021 would be around $18 million. 
• As for Lions OT Taylor Decker, who’s also entering the final year of his rookie deal, Rogers thinks he’ll command anywhere from $13-$15 million per season as a mid-tier offensive tackle. 
• Former NFL GM and analyst for the Athletic Michael Lombardi writes the most obvious question for the Lions in 2020 is if the defense can get more pressure after ranking 29th in sacks in 2019. 
• Lombardi adds the other crucial factor will be if Lions QB Matthew Stafford can stay healthy for 16 games after battling back injuries the past two years. 

Vikings

• Former NFL GM and analyst for the Athletic Michael Lombardi writes the most obvious question for the Vikings in 2020 is how they will replace WR Stefon Diggs after trading him to Buffalo. 
• Lombardi adds the other pressing question is how Minnesota will rebuild their defense under HC Mike Zimmer after taking a step back in 2019.