The NFC North is unusually crowded, with all four teams above .500. This could stay a close race right through the final week.
On Monday night, the Bears gave their division rivals a look at what they might be up against down the stretch. Chicago went on the road and dominated the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks in its first game since trading for star defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons.
Simmons was a force in his debut. The Bears gave up two first-round picks and a fourth-rounder to get him from Tennessee, and after that performance, the move already looks like a major boost to their defense.
Now the other NFC North teams may feel some pressure to make moves of their own. They don’t necessarily need a deal as big as Chicago’s, but standing pat could be risky. Here’s one possible addition for each of the Bears’ three rivals before Tuesday’s trade deadline.
Detroit Lions
Detroit is 5-2, but could use help on defense. Injuries to linebackers Jack Campbell and Jimmy Rolder have left a gap, and Miami’s Jordyn Brooks might be an appealing option. Still, the secondary looks like the more pressing need. The Lions have been short a corner since releasing 2024 first-round pick Terrion Arnold over legal issues this summer.
Philadelphia’s Riq Woolen could be a strong fit. He may be the best corner available, and at 6-foot-4, he can create problems for opposing receivers. Woolen also won a Super Bowl with Seattle last season, so he has experience in high-stakes games. He’s set to become a free agent after this season, which could keep the asking price manageable. It wouldn’t be a Simmons-sized move, but Detroit would be better for making it.
Green Bay Packers
The 5-3 Packers have been linked to Indianapolis running back Jonathan Taylor, which makes sense given the situation with Josh Jacobs. But that deal could be complicated, so another need might be a more realistic place to start.
Green Bay could use help on the offensive line. Philadelphia general manager Howie Roseman is often willing to discuss a deal, and guard Landon Dickerson would give the Packers an upgrade up front. The 28-year-old is in his sixth season and is under contract through 2027, becoming a free agent in 2028. A late-round pick might be enough to get it done. It’s not a headline-grabbing move, but it could help a good offense.
Minnesota Vikings
Here’s the bigger swing.
No, Kirk Cousins isn’t the answer. The cost would likely be too high for what Minnesota would get in return.
Jonathan Taylor, though, could be a different story. The 6-1 Vikings could use him, and he might transform their offense while making things easier for quarterback Kyler Murray.
Pairing Taylor with receiver Justin Jefferson would give Minnesota a dangerous attack. Add in the Vikings’ defense, and they could look like a genuine Super Bowl contender—and a serious challenge to the surging Bears.
The price could involve several premium draft picks. That’s a lot to give up, but for Minnesota, this might be the kind of deal worth making.
