The first week of free agency is in the books and it was a very busy week for the four teams in the NFC North.
Here's a look at how rosters have changed throughout the division through the first wave of free agency:
DETROIT
2023 record: 12-5 (division champs)
Top re-signings: G Graham Glasgow, LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin, CB Emmanuel Moseley, T Dan Skipper, CB Khalil Dorsey, RB Zonovan Knight, LS Scott Daly
Key free-agent additions: DT DJ Reader, CB Carlton Davis (trade), Edge rusher Marcus Davenport, CB Amik Robertson
Big free agent losses: G Jonah Jackson, S C.J. Gardner-Johnson, LB Anthony Pittman
Twentyman's take: It was clear from the start of free agency and the trade for Davis, that Lions GM Brad Holmes' plan was to strengthen the cornerback room and add key pieces upfront on defense.
Holmes traded a third-round pick to Tampa Bay for Davis and also received two sixth-round picks in return for a player they hope can step into a starting role opposite Cam Sutton. The re-signing of Moseley and free-agent acquisition of Robertson give the Lions more talent and depth at cornerback than they had this time last year.
Reader was a home-run addition that gives the Lions arguably one of the best run-stuffing defensive tackle duos in the NFL with him and Alim McNeill. Davenport's addition gives them another experienced edge rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson, Josh Paschal, John Cominsky and others. Detroit's defense got better.
Offensively, losing Jackson will hurt. That's an area Holmes will have to look to strengthen either with a veteran in free agency or next month's NFL Draft.
Go behind the scenes with the Detroit Lions during 2024 free agency.
Detroit Lions guard Kevin Zeitler signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 18, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones (19) signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 18, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions long snapper Scott Daly (47) signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 15, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman DJ Reader signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 14, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman DJ Reader signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 14, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman DJ Reader signing his contract with Detroit Lions Senior Director of Football Administration Brandon Sosna at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 14, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman DJ Reader speaking to Detroit Lions Assistant General Manager Ray Agnew at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 14, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman DJ Reader speaking to Detroit Lions General Manager and Executive Vice President Brad Holmes at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 14, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman DJ Reader speaking to Detroit Lions General Manager and Executive Vice President Brad Holmes at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 14, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman DJ Reader being interviewed by Detroit Lions Team Reporter Dannie Rogers at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 14, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman DJ Reader during his press conference at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 14, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions outside linebacker Marcus Davenport signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 14, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions outside linebacker Marcus Davenport at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 14, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions outside linebacker Marcus Davenport at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 14, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions outside linebacker Marcus Davenport at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 14, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions outside linebacker Marcus Davenport signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 14, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions outside linebacker Marcus Davenport during his press conference at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 14, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Khalil Dorsey (30) signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 14, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Khalil Dorsey (30) signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 14, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 14, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson meeting with Detroit Lions Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn before signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 14, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson with Detroit Lions Assistant Defensive Coach Jim O'Neil at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 14, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson during his visit at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 14, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson with Detroit Lions Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Josh Schuler and Detroit Lions Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach Corey Smith during his visit at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 14, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson with Detroit Lions Equipment Manager Tim O'Neill during his visit at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 14, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson during his visit at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 14, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tackle Dan Skipper (70) signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 14, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tackle Dan Skipper (70) with Detroit Lions Director of Football Compliance/Lead Football Counsel Jon Dykema signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 14, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tackle Dan Skipper (70) signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 14, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III during his press conference at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 13, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Carlton Davis III during his press conference at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 13, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60) signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 13, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60) talking to Detroit Lions General Manager and Executive Vice President Brad Holmes at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 13, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow (60) during his press conference at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 13, 2024. (Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (42) signing his contract extension at the Lions training facility in Allen Park, MI on February 27, 2024. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (42) and his family signing his contract extension at the Lions training facility in Allen Park, MI on February 27, 2024. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin (42) and his family signing his contract extension at the Lions training facility in Allen Park, MI on February 27, 2024. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
GREEN BAY
2023 record: 9-8
Top re-signings: CB Keisean Nixon, RB AJ Dillon, CB Corey Ballentine, TE Tyler Davis, LB Kristian Welch
Key free-agent additions: RB Josh Jacobs, S Xavier McKinney
Big free agent losses: RB Aaron Jones (released), LT David Bakhtiari (released), S Jonathan Owens, G Jon Runyan, S Darnell Savage
Twentyman's take: A new era begins in Green Bay with the release of Bakhtiari and Jones. Those two have been a staple in Green Bay – and a thorn in Detroit's side – for years. Jacobs takes over running back duties for the Packers after running for 805 yards and six touchdowns in 13 games for the Raiders last season. He led the league in rushing in 2022, racking up 1,653 yards and 12 touchdowns. He brings a different style to Green Bay's backfield.
The savviest signing might have been McKinney. Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley really values the safety position in his scheme and McKinney played at a Pro Bowl level last season with 116 tackles (78 solo), three interceptions and 11 passes defended. He improves the backend of the Packers' defense.
MINNESOTA
2023 record: 7-10
Top re-signings: DL Jonathan Bullard, WR Brandon Powell, T David Quessenberry, G Blake Brandel, TE Johnny Mundt
Key free-agent additions: QB Sam Darnold, OLB Jonathan Greenard, OLB Andrew Van Ginkel, RB Aaron Jones, LB Blake Cashman, DL Jerry Tillery, WR Trent Sherfield
Big free agent losses: QB Kirk Cousins, DE Danielle Hunter, LB Jordan Hicks, DE Marcus Davenport, RB Alexander Mattison (released)
Twentyman's take: Something tells me the Vikings aren't done adding to the quarterback position after losing Cousins in free agency to Atlanta and adding Darnold from the 49ers. Darnold is an experienced veteran and he's got some weapons to throw to in Minnesota, but I thought it was interesting Friday that Minnesota and Houston agreed to a trade where the Vikings acquired the No. 23 overall pick in the first round and the No. 232 selection (seventh round) while giving the Texans No. 42 overall (second round), No. 188 (sixth round) and a second-round pick in 2025. Are the Vikings stockpiling picks to move up and draft a QB?
Minnesota is a nice landing spot for Jones. He'll fit in nicely in their scheme. Hunter and his 16.5 sacks last year is a big loss. There were no tears shed in Detroit to see him out of the division. I really like the additions of Greenard and Van Ginkel. I think they'll help stem the loss of Hunter.
CHICAGO
2023 record: 7-10
Top re-signings: DB Jaylon Johnson, LS Patrick Scales
Key free-agent additions: WR Keenan Allen (trade), RB D'Andre Swift, S Kevin Byard, C Ryan Bates (trade), TE Gerald Everett, S Jonathan Owens, OL Coleman Shelton, LB Amen Ogbongbemiga, OL Matt Pryor, QB Brett Rypien, OL Jake Curhan, OL Coleman Shelton
Big free agent losses: WR Darnell Mooney, DT Justin Jones, S Eddie Jackson (released)
Twentyman's take: The Bears got a big upgrade at receiver with the trade for Allen and only had to give up a fourth-round pick to get him. Allen caught 108 passes for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns last season and has six 1,000-yard seasons on his resume. He and D.J. Moore make a nice combo at receiver. Swift is coming off a 1,000-yard rushing season for the Eagles in 2023. Lions fans know what he can do.
Defensively, securing Johnson was priority No. 1 for GM Ryan Poles and the Bears got him back on a four-year, $76 million deal that keeps one of the best young cornerbacks in the NFL in Chicago. Byard is an All-Pro safety who should settle in nicely opposite Jaquan Brisker in the backend of Chicago's defense. Chicago got better and still have two top 10 picks in next month's NFL Draft.
