The NFC North has a winning record in all four teams.
This division could be a battle until the final week of the season. On Monday night, the other three teams in the division got to see how the Chicago Bears set up for the stretch run and should scare them all.
In the first game after them Blockbuster trade for star defenseman Jeffrey Simmonsthe Bears took on the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks on the road. Simmons was a monster in his debut in Chicago, which made the team feel good about their decision to send two first-round picks and a fourth-round pick to the Tennessee Titans for a defensive swap.
Now the other three teams must respond with big moves of their own. All may not match the Simmons deal with star power, but aggressiveness is needed in the NFC North.
Here’s what the 6-2 Bears’ rivals will do before Tuesday’s trade deadline:
The Lions are 5-2. They could use some help on defense though. The linebackers are a clear concern with injuries to Jack Campbell and Jimmy Roller. So it might make sense for the Miami Dolphins to pursue a tackle machine like Jordin Brooks. But we look to the secondary for the Lions. They became interested after releasing 2024 first-round pick Terion Arnold over the summer for legal reasons.
So, we’re pairing the Lions with Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Rick Wallen. He might be the best corner on the market and could make an impact in Detroit. He won the Super Bowl last year with the Seattle Seahawks, so he knows how to play in important games. Woolen is 6-foot-4 and a relevant concern. He is also a free agent after the season, so he could come at a reasonable price. It won’t be a Simmons-like acquisition, but Woolen will make the Lions better and that’s the whole point of adding him at the trade deadline.
The 5-3 Packers are reportedly interested in Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor. It’s understandable what’s going on with Josh Jacobs’ running back. But finding Taylor could be complicated for the Packers. So we go elsewhere to increase their time limit.
It may not be sensational, but Green Bay needs an upgrade on the offensive line. So, we’re looking at the Eagles again. Howie Roseman is always open for business. Therefore, the Packers will have to push guard Landon Dickerson. He is a solid sixth-year pro and would be an upgrade to a solid offense in need of help up front. Dickerson, 28, will be a free agent in 2028. But a third-day draft pick could do the trick for Green Bay. Again, this isn’t an earth-shattering acquisition, but the Packers will be better off with Dickerson.
Here at Blockbuster.
No, we’re not sending Kirk’s relatives to the Vikings. That would be too expensive for the price.
Taylor is calling here. He’s what the 6-1 Vikings need.
Taylor could change Minnesota’s offense and make life easier for quarterback Kyler Murray. An offense that features wide receiver Justin Jefferson and a tailback like Taylor is dangerous. Combined with the Vikings defense, this team will be a legitimate Super Bowl threat and put pressure on the Bears.
The price tag could be several premium draft picks, but making this deal for the Vikings is worth it.
