NFC Notes: Bears, Packers, Aaron Rodgers, Vikings

Bears

• The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain and Adam Jahns note that Bears QB Nick Foles wants to be in Chicago even though he’s firmly locked in as the third-string option. 
• They add the Eagles had some trade interest in Foles earlier this offseason but that ship has sailed. Unless there’s a quarterback injury during training camp, the Bears likely don’t have much of a market for Foles. 
• Fishbain and Jahns project the 53-man roster, giving the fourth running back spot to sixth-round RB Khalil Herbert and the sixth and final receiver spot to Riley Ridley.
• The duo tentatively give the No. 4 tight end spot to Jake Butt ahead of Jesse James and Jesper Horsted. 

Packers

• Both NBC Sports’ Peter King and former NFL media reporter Michael Silver had similar solutions for the Packers and QB Aaron Rodgers to what ultimately looks like might end up happening
• King and Silver proposed in exchange for Rodgers playing in 2021, Green Bay would void the final two years on his deal and potentially give him a no-tag clause, allowing him to test free agency in 2022, or agree to trade him after this season. 
• Green Bay is reportedly only offering to void the 2023 year of Rodgers’ deal, but Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer astutely points out that along with the no-tag clause, that sets up a situation where the Packers either have to trade Rodgers after this season or risk him walking for nothing after 2022. 
• Green Bay wouldn’t even get a compensatory pick if Rodgers left in free agency, as his contract reworking makes him ineligible for the league’s formula. (Brad Spielberger/Jason Fitzgerald)
• Packers president Mark Murphy praised GM Brian Gutekunst on Monday at the team’s annual shareholders meeting: “He’s just done an outstanding job. I have tremendous confidence in him and he is the man to lead us going forward.” (Rob Demovsky)
• Murphy added the team wants to find a resolution with Rodgers: “We want him back, we’re committed to him for 2021 and beyond. He’s our leader and we’re looking forward to winning another Super Bowl.” (Demovsky)
• Murphy says despite getting calls, the team will not trade Rodgers: “We’ve been very clear we’re not trading him.” (Tom Pelissero)
• Murphy added he doesn’t know if Rodgers will report to camp this week. (Schneidman)
• Gutekunst agreed that the front office is working hard at getting Rodgers back to camp: “We have been working tirelessly with Aaron and his representatives to resolve the issues he raised this offseason and we remain hopeful for a positive resolution.” (Matt Schneidman)
• On vaccination rates, Murphy said the team isn’t at 85 percent yet. “I would say we have a ways to go and we’re working on it.” (Demovsky)
• Murphy thinks Rodgers’ situation and WR Davante Adams‘ situation are different: “I’m confident we’ll be able to work things out (with Adams).” (Silverstein)

Vikings

• According to Darren Wolfson, new Vikings WR Dede Westbrook‘s contract is for one year and $1,127,500.