NFL Notes: Bears, Lions, Packers, & Saints

Bears

Michael C. Wright believes it would probably be a good idea for the Bears to lock up RB Matt Forte for the next three years or so with a new deal.

• Wright mentions that former backup QB Josh McCown was a “major loss for the offense” given that he was somewhat of a coach for the Bears last season.
• Wright doesn’t expect any changes to Bears’ coaching staff to come during the season, even if they lose to the Buccaneers.

Lions

• Michael Rothstein believes WR T.J. Jones could end WR Ryan Broyles time in Detroit if he’s able to contribute as much as Broyles has this year.
• Rothstein mentions that the Lions could target upgrades at defensive tackle, offensive line, cornerback and possibly at wide receiver in next year’s draft.

Packers

Rob Demovsky writes that Victor Cruz‘s annual salary of around $7.3 million could be a “the ballpark” for Randall Cobb‘s next contract.

According to Demovsky, “the feeling around the league is the Packers will get it done.”

• Demovsky writes that it appears Green Bay will continue use Clay Matthews at inside linebacker even if Nick Perry can’t play due to a shoulder injury.
• The Packers had their sights set on drafting ILB C.J. Mosley this past year, according to Demovsky.

Saints

Mike Triplett of ESPN believes it’s “entirely possible” that this is WR Marques Colston‘s final year with the Saints.

Triplett mentions that the $7 million owed to Colston for the 2015 season is “awfully high,” especially for a team with the cap issues New Orleans has. According to Triplett, the only way Colston could be retained is he takes a “significant pay cut.“

In the event Colston isn’t back with the Saints, Triplett doesn’t see him playing for another team.

• Triplett doesn’t not believe the Saints need to completely rehaul their defense, despite their struggles this year.
• Triplett doesn’t see the Saints parting ways with DC Rob Ryan either.