The NFL trade deadline has come and gone, but the NFC North teams are already focusing on their free agency moves for next season. The Detroit Lions, in particular, have a busy offseason ahead as they navigate the market for defensive end Za’Darius Smith.
A deal was struck with Smith, acquiring the two-year sidekick of Myles Garrett in exchange for a pick-swap. This move comes after the Browns were not interested in moving Garrett months ago. The Lions needed to fill the void left by lost Aidan Hutchinson and Marcus Davenport, but may have had trouble negotiating a deal with Garrett now due to his market-setting extension.
The Lions will face stiff competition for quarterback Penei Sewell, who will be on the roster radar after exercising Hutchinson’s fifth-year option. Meanwhile, safety Kerby Joseph is seeking an extension, which could lead to him being tagged as a 2026 franchise candidate if no deal materializes before then.
In Green Bay, linebacker Quay Walker is a top priority for an extension in 2025. Despite his $14.75MM fifth-year option, the Packers’ GM said they’d like to find a way to keep him around long-term, either through an extension or re-signing him after the option year.
The Packers also have center Josh Myers entering free agency with a promising market outlook. With a clean bill of health, Myers could become one of the top center options in the market. The Vikings are also exploring their running back situation, with Aaron Jones’ workload set to be reduced if he remains on the roster.
Lastly, the team’s blocking situations for next season may see some changes as Ed Ingram and Blake Brandel face uncertain futures in the starting lineup.
Source: https://www.profootballrumors.com/2025/03/nfc-north-notes-garrett-lions-joseph-walker-packers-myers-vikings-jones-ol