A key free agent signing for each NFC North squad
By: Jake Rajala
Each NFC North team had a winning record last season. It was an impressive feat. If the squads want to separate themselves from the pack in 2026, they need to bolster their roster. The best way for a team to stand out is in free agency. So, I’m going to lay out a key free agent signing that should be made by each team.
Chicago Bears: Demario Davis
I anticipate the Bears moving on from Tremaine Edmunds this offseason. I don’t believe the Bears need to live in the past. The Bears can upgrade their MLB group with the signing of Demario Davis. He had a season high of 141 combined tackles last season. The biggest reason that he would join the Bears is due to his chemistry with the Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. Allen was the Saints DC and HC for many seasons with Davis.
Detroit Lions: David Onyemeta
The former Saints DT David Onyemeta is one of the best defensive tackles in free agency. He has a powerful bull rush and high motor. He had a career high 62 tackles last season. He also had several tackles for loss. The Lions have Aidan Hutchinson on the edge. I expect the Lions to address their DE spot across from Hutch via a trade. So, perhaps they could fix their IDL spot in free agency.
Green Bay Packers: Spencer Burford
I expect the Pack to let Rasheed Walker hit free agency. Walker has been all over the map. He had a pass blocking grade of 38, which isn’t acceptable in a competitive NFC North. I’d like to see the Packers replace Walker with Spencer Burford. He is slightly better, as he had a PFF grade of 48.5.
Minnesota Vikings: Kirk Cousins
It’s time for Captain Kirk to come home. Cousins was a Top-15 QB under Kevin O’Connell. He made three Pro Bowls as a Viking. He should replace J.J. McCarthy, who was arguably the worst QB last season. Cousins went 5-3 last season and threw 10 touchdowns to five interceptions.
There is a wide variety of players who could help the NFC North teams. I listed an MLB, DT, OT, and QB. I really believe each team is a key player away from reaching the playoffs. Hopefully, the four teams take a big swing in free agency and in the draft.
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