NFC North Roundtable: Multiple players are primed to earn extensions that could break the bank

Minnesota Vikings beat writer Tyler Forness: S Josh Metellus

The Vikings have done a really good job this year of getting their players locked up. Andrew Van Ginkel and Josh Oliver got extensions earlier this offseason and the next player up to get an extension is Metellus.

When the Vikings signed him ahead of the 2023 season, it was viewed as being a bit early. The reason being that he had never been a full-time player on defense, only getting a spot start when someone ahead of him was injured. He took that to heart and grew exponentially as a versatile weapon. That aspect is going to be a mitigating factor when it comes to a potential extension, and it could be the reason he doesn't get one for a while.

Green Bay Packers beat writer Wendell Ferreira: RT Zach Tom

The right tackle was third in All-Pro votes at his position last season, and he truly is an ascending star. Outside of quarterback Jordan Love, Tom is probably the most valuable and irreplaceable player on the roster, and it would be smart to give him a new deal as soon as possible. He's 26 and is still entering the prime of his career, so the more the Packers wait, the more expensive it tends to become.

Left tackle Rasheed Walker and right guard Sean Rhyan are also from the 2022 class—three good starting offensive linemen from the same class is insane, I know. But Zach Tom is undoubtedly the priority to receive an extension, and it should be something between $25 million and $30 million a year based on his performances over the past two seasons.

Chicago Bears beat writer Kole Noble: S Jaquan Brisker

It’s hard to pinpoint any other extension candidate at this point in the offseason because the Bears’ front office has already paid pretty much everyone else. Kyler Gordon, T.J. Edwards, Jonah Jackson, and Joe Thuney all received new deals over the last few months, but in the case of safety Jaquan Brisker, extension talks get complicated. The former second-round pick brings a lot of energy and heart to Chicago’s defense, but the problem is keeping him on the field. In 2024, Brisker suffered his third concussion in three seasons, with the latest forcing him to miss 12 games.

Getting back on the field and playing at a high level won’t be enough to earn a second contract in Chicago. Brisker needs to prove he can make it through a full season to get some confidence back from the front office. Also at the safety position, Kevin Byard is entering the final year of his contract, but noted a few months back he’s willing to play things year-by-year when it comes to his NFL future given his age and production-level.

Detroit Lions beat writer Mike Payton: WR Jameson Williams

It’s easy to say Aidan Hutchinson, but that deal could happen at any moment now. The big one after that is, what are the Lions going to do with Williams? It’s all going to be about how he performs in 2025 and if he’s able to stay on the field and out of trouble. No more suspensions and no more run-ins with the police. If he can do those things and ball out, there’s no reason that the Lions won’t consider signing him ot a lucrative deal. That is if they’re able to clear up enough money to do his deal and big deals for Jahmyr Gibbs, Brian Branch, Sam LaPorta, and Jack Campbell, too.