NFC North Rundown: Team ownership is just one of the Bears’ burning financial questions

As the Aaron Rodgers saga continues to dominate the headlines surrounding the Green Bay Packers, financial questions have made up a number of this past week’s stories involving their southern rival.

While the Chicago Bears continue to pursue visiting free agents with additional cap flexibility this week, they could still try to remove one unnecessary salary from the books. Will the Bears be able to find a trade partner for a seemingly cast-off veteran quarterback? Management will press to find an answer to that question as another involving the team’s long-term ownership arose this past week.

Today’s rundown examines that development while checking in on Jared Goff’s first few days in a Detroit uniform and a “miracle” return for one Minnesota defensive player.

Detroit Lions

First Impressions of Quarterback Jared Goff

Mannerisms, command, and a “pretty ball” were some of the terms thrown around by Head Coach Dan Campbell after week one of observing the Lions’ new quarterback.

Detroit Lions sign defensive tackle Brian Price

Add Price to the list of former Packers making the move to the Motor City this offseason after defensive tackle Joel Heath suffered a major injury.

Aaron Glenn excited about the versatility of Jamie Collins, Ifeatu Melifonwu

Using the traditionally inside linebacker Collins on the edge and at nose tackle in certain sub-packages are just two ways that the Detroit defensive coordinator plans to create exotic looks with one of his chess pieces.

Minnesota Vikings

Miracle or not, Cameron Smith is back on Vikings’ practice field after open heart surgery

After Covid-19 helped reveal a birth defect requiring surgery for Smith last year, he is back on the field for OTA’s - something many people, including Dalvin Cook, would call a “miracle.”

How Kirk Cousins’ game can help Vikings rookie QB Kellen Mond

Mond’s experience in a pro-style college system should help him in his transition to the NFL, but foot placement, speed, and efficiency are a few of the aspects of Cousins’ game that the rookie has been watching most.

Why the Vikings’ cap space is about to increase

The “post-June 1” designation placed on Kyle Rudolph’s release three months ago gives the Vikings some late financial flexibility this week.

Chicago Bears

Bears ownership “strife” may lead to team sale

There are a lot of factors to consider, but rumor is the McCaskeys could be looking to sell the team in the near future and there are some notable board members and outside investors to be aware of.

Maybe the Bears could actually find a trade partner for QB Nick Foles

At this point, the Bears are on the hook for a $6.66 million salary for the third-string quarterback, but perhaps there is still one team that might be interested in acquiring Foles even after Philadelphia stopped its recent pursuit.

Here’s Some Chicago Bears Salary Cap Clarity

Like the Lions, the Bears are poised to gain some post-June 1 financial help, but there are some additional cap-saving measures that could be in play as well.