NFC Notes: Bears, Lions, Vikings

Bears

• The Athletic’s Adam Jahns notes Bears WRs Damiere Byrd and Marquise Goodwin flashed their speed and playmaking during OTAs, and they’ll put a lot of pressure on Riley Ridley and Javon Wims for spots at the back end of the receiver depth chart. 
• Jahns says Bears CB Desmond Trufant should be viewed as veteran insurance, not a guaranteed starter. If he went strictly off of OTAs, Jahns thinks Kindle Vildor would be the No. 2 corner. 
• Jahns highlights Bears OLB Trevis Gipson and LB Danny Trevathan as players who need big training camps. Gipson could be a much-needed third pass-rushing threat across from Khalil Mack, while Trevathan showed some signs of age last season that Chicago hopes were just due to the weird pandemic year. 

Lions

Lions’ new RB Jamaal Williams called being signed by the organization this offseason a “new beginning” for his career and is eager to showcase his skills. 

“I see this as just a new beginning, a new time for me to just be able to show my talents and show my abilities and everything I’ve just been working on this whole offseason,” Williams said, via Eric Woodyard of ESPN. “I always know that I can always work on something to get better and find something that I can improve or find something new.”

Williams added that he’s happy to work with Lions RBs coach Duce Staley and OC Anthony Lynn. 

“So, you can always get better, and I’m just grateful for the coaches, the GM, and everybody for just giving me an opportunity, and that’s all I ever really wanted was just an opportunity to be able to show my abilities,” said Williams. “Now I get to do it in a new offense by being able to get my running backs coach Duce Staley and Anthony Lynn as the OC. It just feels good. Then with the head coach biting kneecaps and stuff. You know what I mean? This is like, ‘uh oh, it’s feeling real youthful in this boy [laughs].’”

Williams is hopeful to turn around the Lions’ unsuccessful rushing offense. 

“I feel like with our players and my teammates and everybody, just want to get out of this slump we’ve just got to start new. Then at the same time, we’ve got to have a new mindset of how we’re gonna do things around here,” Williams said. “We’re just gonna be focused and sacrifice for the team. The more you sacrifice for the team, the more the team will flourish. It’s just part of me learning it at the same time. It really just comes with a lot of team chemistry, and that’s what we’re getting on. I’m having fun with it. I love all my teammates. These boys are funny, and at the same time, we’re working hard.”

Vikings

• Vikings’ DT Sheldon Richardson’s deal includes a $250,000 incentive if he reaches 5 sacks, and a $500,000 incentive if he records seven sacks. Richardson can also earn a $250,000  bonus for earning a Pro Bowl selection.
• The contract also voids if Richardson is on the roster 30 days prior to the 2022 league year. (Ben Goessling)