Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman promised a patient approach to free agency unless something unique popped up. The rest of the NFC North has followed suit.
With dollars being thrown around in free agency, the NFC North has seen more departures than arrivals. The two biggest moves in the division have been trades.
Spielman's unique opportunity presented itself late last week when Dolphins wide receiver Mike Wallace became available. Minnesota traded a fifth-round pick for Wallace and then subtracted Greg Jennings. The biggest move in free agency saw the Detroit Lions lose defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh to the Miami Dolphins. Detroit followed by acquiring Haloti Ngata from Baltimore to fill the void.
Spending in free agency has been somewhat minimized within NFC North. One week into free agency, here's a look around the division:
GREEN BAY PACKERS
Who's left as free agents: Receiver Jarrett Boykin, cornerback Jarrett Bush, quarterback Matt Flynn, defensive tackle Letroy Guion, running back DuJuan Harris, fullback John Kuhn, linebacker Jamari Lattimore, nose tackle B.J. Raji
What's unfolded: A look at the NFC North might as well start with the defending division champions. It's no surprise Green Bay hasn't dived into free agency. It's just not general manager Ted Thompson's way. Last year's surprise signing of Julius Peppers was against the norm for Thompson, who seems to have settled back into his usual method of rewarding the players he drafts.
The Packers' major moves were re-signing offensive tackle Bryan Bulaga -- an important step -- and receiver Randall Cobb. The bulk of the offense for quarterback Aaron Rodgers now returns. Scott Tolzien was re-signed to back up Rodgers, and Flynn is likely gone. Rodgers has his top three receivers back. With Cobb, Jordy Nelson and Davante Adams, the Packers have let Dorsey and Boykin find jobs elsewhere.
Williams and House are the biggest departures. House will get the chance to be a fulltime starter for the first time after signing a big contract with Jacksonville. Williams found a home with Cleveland, and Green Bay appears set to go with Sam Shields and Casey Hayward as its top two cornerbacks next season. The Packers released A.J. Hawk, who signed with Cincinnati.
DETROIT LIONS
Who's left as free agents: Defensive tackle Andre Fluellen, cornerback Rashean Mathis, defensive tackle C.J. Mosley, linebacker Ashlee Palmer, center Dominic Raiola, tackle Garrett Reynolds, guard Rob Sims, cornerback Cassius Vaughn
What's unfolded: Detroit finished one game back of Green Bay last season but has seen quite a bit of upheaval this offseason. Most of the change has been in the middle of the defensive line. Suh and Fairley have gone elsewhere for bigger money, and the Lions have tried to fill the holes with Ngata and Walker.
Ngata is a big addition in the middle. Perhaps Detroit also might try running a hybrid defense that would include some 3-4 looks. Walker was under the radar in New Orleans but was the target of a few teams in free agency before deciding on the Lions.
Detroit released Bush and appears content to go with Joique Bell, Theo Riddick and perhaps another running back added in a draft rich at that position. The Lions re-signed Dan Orlovsky and Kellen Moore as backup quarterbacks and also re-signed kicker Matt Prater.
The offensive line needs addressing with Sims and Raiola still unsigned. Sims started all 16 games at left guard last year. Raiola started 15 games at center. Cornerback could also be a concern with Mathis and Vaughn unsigned. Mathis started all 16 games last season.
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Who's left as free agents: Guard Charlie Johnson, defensive end Corey Wootton
What's unfolded: Spielman has held true to his word. He's stayed patient and not gone overboard in giving big dollars to some of the free agents out there. Minnesota has checked in on a few players, most of whom have found more money or better fits elsewhere.
The Vikings' main objective has been locking up a few of their own free agents. Minnesota re-signed offensive lineman Joe Berger, defensive tackle Tom Johnson and long snapper Cullen Loeffler. The team also re-signed restricted free agents in running back Matt Asiata and offensive tackle Mike Harris.
The trade for Wallace will likely go down as the team's biggest move this offseason. Wallace appears to be a good fit for coordinator Norv Turner's offense and the team parted ways with Jennings after getting Wallace. Minnesota traded Cassel to Buffalo and then signed a cheaper alternative in Hill to back up quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.
Wootton is likely gone after one underwhelming season with the Vikings. Minnesota is still looking for another veteran defensive end to rotate with Brian Robison and Everson Griffen. The Vikings lost out on Michael Johnson last weekend after he visited Minnesota and decided to sign with the Bengals.
The shopping list for the Vikings likely still includes more depth at cornerback, more competition at safety, a middle linebacker and possibly a left guard.
CHICAGO BEARS
Who's left as free agents: Linebackers Lance Briggs and D.J. Williams, center Brian De la Puente, cornerback Charles Tillman, receiver Josh Morgan, tight end Dante Rosario, offensive lineman Eben Britton, kicker Jay Feely
What's unfolded: No team in the division has undergone more changes than Chicago the past few seasons. Last year's bold moves failed, for the most part. This year brought on more aggressive maneuvering for new coach John Fox.
Trading Marshall was the start of the overhaul. The Bears sent Marshall to the New York Jets for a fifth-round draft pick. Chicago still has offensive pieces in receivers Alshon Jeffery and Marquess Wilson, tight end Martellus Bennett and running back Matt Forte. The Bears added Royal and also could draft a receiver. It's possible they see trading Marshall as addition by subtraction.
The aging defense should get younger with Briggs and Tillman likely done in Chicago.
McPhee was the Bears' priority free agent signing from Baltimore. McPhee could help the pass rush. The move could also signify a move to the 3-4 defense with new coordinator Vic Fangio, who came from San Francisco. Of course, a 3-4 defense would mean Jared Allen standing up as a linebacker, which would be a curious move.
Rolle replaces Conte at safety and, despite being 32 years old, is an upgrade.
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