Every NFL Team’s Biggest Free Agency Need: NFC North

The Bears far exceeded expectations under first-year head coach Ben Johnson in 2025. They went 11-6 and won a playoff game, just one year after going 5-12. The offense is loaded with weapons for QB Caleb Williams. D’Andre Swift, Luther Burden III, Rome Odunze, and Colston Loveland will only elevate as time goes on.

Chicago’s defense wasn’t glaringly bad in 2025, but it definitely needs improvement, specifically in the pass rush. They had 35 sacks, ranking 22nd in the NFL. They did, however, lead the league in interceptions with 23. Getting to the QB will be a priority in 2026.

The top name the Bears should pursue isn’t through free agency, but a trade. Maxx Crosby is seemingly on the outs with the Las Vegas Raiders and would be perfect for Chicago. Outside of him, Trey Hendrickson is set to leave the Cincinnati Bengals. He could be an immediate game-changer in the Windy City.

Minnesota Vikings: Safety

What defensive coordinator Brian Flores has done with the Vikings is wildly impressive. They ranked second in the NFL in pass yards allowed per game (158.2), but they ranked 25th in interceptions (eight). 14-year veteran safety Harrison Smith has yet to confirm whether he’ll retire this year, but that seems to be the direction he’s heading.

It won’t be easy for Minnesota to replace Smith, who has played in 207 career games. He’s a reliable safety who could seemingly play the position with his eyes closed. The most likely option would be to draft a long-term replacement to develop.

If the Vikings pursue a safety in free agency, Reed Blankenship may be hitting the market. The Philadelphia Eagles’ player is 26 years old and could be seeking a large contract. He’s young, he can play at a high level, and he’s already developed. Minnesota could cover a lot of ground with Blankenship.

Green Bay Packers: Defensive Tackle

The Packers acquired pass-rusher Micah Parsons last year from the Dallas Cowboys, and it paid dividends until he tore his Achilles. To acquire him, they traded away defensive tackle Kenny Clark. As good of a move as that was, Green Bay’s run defense suffered for it.

The Packers allowed 117.7 rushing yards per game in 2025, ranking 18th in the NFL. One of their biggest concerns this offseason is reworking contracts to fit within the cap space.

Green Bay could look toward cost-effective veterans to fill in the defensive line. D.J. Reader, DaQuan Jones, and Cameron Jordan could all become available. None of them would be long-term solutions, but the Pack could be looking to make a Super Bowl run now anyway. 

Detroit Lions: Offensive Line

The Lions’ offensive line in 2025 was such an issue that Frank Ragnow tried to come out of retirement to rejoin the team. Dan Skipper hung up the cleats, and Taylor Decker could be on his way to retirement as well. 

I would fully expect Detroit to address the offensive line in the draft, but they’ll be looking for players to come in now. The NFC North is cutthroat, and there isn’t much time to develop players by throwing them in the fire.

The Baltimore Ravens could be losing center Tyler Linderbaum in free agency. While there are heavy rumors of him joining his former coach, John Harbaugh, and the New York Giants, anything can happen. The Lions are capable of making a playoff push, but not with the line as it currently is.

End Of My NFL Free Agency Rant

Every team in the NFC North finished 2025 with a winning record. This might be the closest division in the NFL, and it’s nearly impossible to predict who will come out on top in 2026. This offseason will be essential for every team on this list. Check out my articles on the other divisions here!