NFC North 2024 Offseason Rankings

Evaluating where Lions' moves stack up with NFC North foes.

The Detroit Lions had a strong offseason ahead of their quest to repeat as NFC North division champions in 2024.

After securing their first division title since 1993, the Lions are hoping to take the next step by winning again next season. Last season showed the importance of winning the division, as the Lions wound up with two postseason home game.

It won't be easy, however, as each of the NFC North teams also tried to improve this offseason. Each team made multiple big moves to help their chances at taking the crown from Detroit.

Here's a ranking of the NFC North teams based on offseason performance to this point in 2024.

4. Minnesota Vikings

No team lost more in terms of veteran contribution than the Vikings, who lost their quarterback and best pass-rusher this offseason. Kirk Cousins, who had led the offense for the last six seasons, signed with the Atlanta Falcons while Danielle Hunter inked a new deal with the Houston Texans.

Hunter's signing with the Texans is essentially a swap, as the Vikings brought in former Houston pass-rusher Jonathan Greenard on a four-year, $72 million deal. Additionally, Andrew Van Ginkel and Jihad Ward signed deals to help out on the edge.

To replace Cousins, the Vikings signed Sam Darnold to a one-year contract. Time will tell if Kevin O'Connell is able to get the most out of the journeyman passer, who is on his fourth team since being drafted in 2018, but quarterback remains a real position of need.

Adding Aaron Jones is a nice move after releasing Alexander Mattison. Jones is a solid running back, but his availability as a receiver out of the backfield will do wonders for the offense. Still, the offense being piloted by Darnold is not an appealing sign for Minnesota's future.

3. Green Bay Packers

Green Bay shocked many when it decided to release Aaron Jones, though they did so in favor of signing Josh Jacobs. Jacobs will give the Packers one of the league's best young running backs.

The Packers also retained A.J. Dillon, and the addition of safety Xavier McKinney is among the best moves made by a team in the division this offseason. The decision to bring back kick returner and defensive back Keisean Nixon is another solid move.

However, Green Bay has been relatively quiet since the opening flurry of moves. They have good pieces in place on their offense, and they still have needs up front as well as at linebacker after releasing De'Vondre Campbell.

2. Detroit Lions

The Lions have traditionally been aggressive under general manager Brad Holmes. They fit that billing again this year, gearing up with veteran talent across the board.

Defense was the focus early, as they addressed needs at cornerback and defensive tackle. The release of Cam Sutton means that Khalil Dorsey is the only Lion currently on roster to start a game at cornerback, but Carlton Davis and Amik Robertson are newcomers that can sure up that position.

Detroit did lose a key part of their offensive line in Jonah Jackson, but Holmes and company kept the structure of that unit intact by re-signing Graham Glasgow. A week into free agency, the Lions also signed Kevin Zeitler to plug in at right guard.

DJ Reader is a difference-maker at nose tackle, while Robertson and Davis could battle it out to be the team's CB1. Wide receiver remains a need ahead of the Draft, while the team could also use a young, standout edge rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson and newcomer Marcus Davenport.

1. Chicago Bears

By trading Justin Fields, the Bears have seemingly committed to Caleb Williams as the No. 1 pick later this month. Chicago has also tried to stock up on talent around their future QB on offense, dealing out contracts to D'Andre Swift and Gerald Everett.

However, the biggest move they made this offseason is trading for Keenan Allen. Now, the Bears have two incredibly talented wideouts with he and D.J. Moore. An offense that struggled last year will be fully reloaded.

Defensively, the Bears tightened up their defense by signing Jaylon Johnson to a long-term extension. Additionally, they added to their secondary by signing Kevin Byard and Jonathan Owens.