NFC North Rundown: Bears make two notable transactions prior to training camp

As NFL training camps kick off today, the Green Bay Packers may have their franchise quarterback back on the practice field soon. All focus within the NFC North will be on the status of Aaron Rodgers, who is already back in Green Bay as of Tuesday morning, and the Chicago Bears may have indirectly helped the Packers in that cause.

According to a few media reports, one of the desired concessions for a Rodgers settlement appears to be a Packers reunion with Randall Cobb. After the Bears traded away wide receiver Anthony Miller to Houston this past weekend, the door for a Cobb trade may have been opened as mentioned in the tweet below. Eyes will surely remain on Rodgers, Cobb, and the Packers at the beginning of camp tomorrow.

The Miller trade is further addressed in today’s rundown, along with another offensive transaction made by Chicago this past week. Outside the news from the Windy City, the recap includes more wide receiver movement in Minnesota and notes on an interesting Jared Goff stat as he looks to turn the page in Detroit.

Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions move oft-injured Austin Bryant to PUP, another to COVID list

After missing more games than he’s played during his first two years in the league, Bryant’s recent injury could affect his position on the team with a new management in place.

Jared Goff Was Most Accurate Red-Zone Passer in 2020

While the jury is certainly still out on Goff and his fit in Detroit, he did do very well by one measurement last season.

Trey Flowers: ‘It Won’t Be a Big Difference for Me to Adapt’

In specific packages, Flowers may move to outside linebacker from his usual defensive end position in the Lions’ new defensive scheme.

Minnesota Vikings

Vikings waive Jaylen Twyman to make room for Dede Westbrook

After a turbulent offseason, the Vikings waived their sixth-round pick to add the veteran wide receiver Westbrook, but hope to ultimately retain Twyman.

Rick Dennison’s job as Vikings offensive line coach in limbo after refusing COVID vaccine

After early reports that Dennison had been fired, apparently there is more to the story and the two sides are working together on a solution within COVID laws and protocol.

Harrison Smith Says He Anticipates Retiring as a Minnesota Viking

On Patrick Peterson’s recent podcast, the long-time Viking shared a desire to finish his career with Minnesota but acknowledged that things can change quickly in the NFL.

Chicago Bears

Bears trade WR Anthony Miller to Texans

Was this move a precursor to Houston trading Randall Cobb to Green Bay?

Updated: Bears sign veteran TE Jesse James to one-year deal

The strong-blocking James returns to the division on an incentive-laden deal.

A lot to consider with James Daniels extension talk

While Daniels has some promising traits to continue to develop, his lack of power is something to consider in both the running and passing games during contract talks.