The 2025 NFL free agency period brought significant changes across the NFC North. Each team added talent to address key weaknesses and boost their chances in one of the league’s toughest divisions. Whether it was reinforcing the offensive line, upgrading the secondary, or adding leadership on defense, these moves reflect a clear commitment to winning. With rising expectations and playoff hopes on the line, every signing could make the difference between a postseason run and coming up short. The NFC North has quickly become one of the most competitive divisions in football, with no obvious favorite heading into the season.
Here is a closer look at the most impactful signings for each team and how those additions could shape the upcoming year.
Key Free Agent Additions
C Drew Dalman (3 years, $42 million)
The Bears addressed a critical need by signing center Drew Dalman. Known for his agility and intelligence, Dalman excels in zone-blocking schemes, making him an ideal fit for Chicago’s offensive system under new head coach Ben Johnson. His ability to read defenses and make line calls will be invaluable for second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. Dalman also brings mobility, which adds value on pulls and screens and will be perfect for a quarterback who thrives outside the pocket. He allowed just 2 sacks and committed 4 penalties in 2024 while playing over 1,000 snaps at a 98.2 percent snap rate for Atlanta.
G Joe Thuney (Acquired via release, new 2-year deal worth $35 million)
One of the Bears’ boldest moves this offseason was adding veteran All-Pro guard Joe Thuney. After his release from Kansas City, Chicago wasted no time locking him in with a short-term deal that provides elite interior protection for Caleb Williams. Thuney’s intelligence, technique, and playoff experience make him a major upgrade. He fits perfectly in the Bears’ zone scheme and gives Williams a steady, proven presence up front. Thuney allowed only 1 sack and committed 3 penalties in 2024, continuing his streak of elite-level consistency.
EDGE Dayo Odeyingbo (3 years, $48 million)
Dayo Odeyingbo joins the Bears with the potential to become a major contributor on the edge. A former second-round pick, he developed into a disruptive rotational piece in Indianapolis and now brings size, versatility, and upside to Chicago’s pass rush. He can line up on the edge or kick inside on passing downs, making him a valuable piece in multiple fronts. Odeyingbo is trending upward and could become a full-time starter if he builds on last season’s breakout performance: 15.5 sacks, 86 total tackles, and 4 forced fumbles.
DT Grady Jarrett (3 years, $43.5 million)
Grady Jarrett adds proven production and leadership to the middle of Chicago’s defensive front. Known for his quickness, power, and leverage, he remains effective against the run and can generate pressure from the interior. Jarrett posted 4 sacks, 9 tackles for loss, and 15 QB hits in 2024. Coming from a similar 4-3 system in Atlanta, he should transition smoothly into Dennis Allen’s scheme and play a vital role up front.
Summary & Grade
Chicago had one of the most aggressive offseasons in the NFC North, focusing on reshaping the offensive line to support second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. The additions of Dalman and Thuney provide immediate upgrades in communication and protection. On defense, the Bears added size and versatility with Odeyingbo and Jarrett. However, they did not address the offensive tackle position, a major weakness in 2024, and failed to add meaningful depth at wide receiver behind DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. The Bears made a statement, but they may still fall short in a stacked division.
Grade: A-
Key Free Agent Additions
CB D.J. Reed (3 years, $48 million)
D.J. Reed joins the Lions after two strong seasons with the Jets, where he thrived in man and press coverage. Detroit’s defense struggled to contain elite wide receivers last year, and Reed fills a major need as a starting outside corner. His compact frame, physicality, and instincts fit well in the Lions’ aggressive scheme. Reed is expected to match up with opposing WR1s and improve Detroit’s third-down and red zone defense. He posted 3 interceptions, 12 passes defended, and 65 tackles in 2024, ranking top 10 in forced incompletion rate.
CB Avonte Maddox (1 year, $1.4 million)
Avonte Maddox brings valuable slot corner experience from his time in Philadelphia. Known for his quickness and ability to stay tight in coverage, he provides an upgrade in the middle of the field. Maddox is also an effective blitzer and can contribute in zone looks, giving Detroit more flexibility in sub-packages. On a one-year deal, he’s a low-risk, high-upside addition. He recorded 2 interceptions, 8 pass breakups, and 54 tackles in 2024.
CB Rock Ya-Sin (1 year, $1.17 million)
Rock Ya-Sin adds toughness and experience to the Lions’ cornerback group. He brings prior starting experience from Baltimore and Indianapolis, along with a physical approach that fits the team’s defensive identity. Ya-Sin had 1 interception, 7 pass breakups, and 49 tackles in 2024 and gives Detroit another reliable option if injuries or inconsistencies hit the secondary.
DT Roy Lopez (1 year, $4.65 million)
Lopez is a high-effort, blue-collar addition to Detroit’s interior defensive line. While not a big-name pass rusher, he is a strong run defender with the ability to hold the point of attack in short-yardage situations. Lopez racked up 137 total tackles, 3 sacks, and 1 forced fumble in 2024. He should slot into the rotation and help keep the front seven fresh.
Summary & Grade
Detroit clearly prioritized fixing the secondary this offseason. D.J. Reed is the headliner and should elevate the unit immediately, while Maddox and Ya-Sin give the Lions flexibility and depth. Roy Lopez brings steady production to the defensive line. The one major miss was the lack of a proven edge rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Without help there, the Lions’ defense may still come up short in high-pressure moments.
Grade: B
Key Free Agent Additions
G Aaron Banks (4 years, $77 million)
Green Bay made a major investment in the interior line by signing Aaron Banks. The former 49er fits perfectly in Matt LaFleur’s zone-heavy scheme, bringing size and experience to a unit that needed help after losing Josh Myers. Banks started all 17 games in 2024, allowed just 3 sacks, and earned a 74.5 run-blocking grade from PFF. He should immediately boost protection for Jordan Love and improve their inside run game.
CB Nate Hobbs (4 years, $48 million)
Nate Hobbs was a strong slot corner for the Raiders and now takes over nickel duties in Green Bay. He’s quick, physical, and comfortable in the Cover 3 packages the Packers favor. Hobbs had 49 tackles, 5 pass deflections, and 1 interception in 11 games last season. He brings needed stability to a secondary that dealt with injuries and inconsistency in 2024.
WR Mecole Hardman (1 year, $1.5 million)
Hardman brings speed and championship experience to Green Bay’s receiving corps. He gives the Packers a vertical threat and special teams weapon, even if his 2024 production was limited (12 catches, 90 yards). He may not be a volume guy, but his ability to flip the field could bring value.
LB Isaiah Simmons (1 year, $3 million)
Simmons arrives with the chance to carve out a hybrid role in Jeff Hafley’s new scheme. He has been used as a linebacker, safety, and slot corner and brings rare athleticism to Green Bay’s defense. He recorded 60 tackles, 1 sack, and 2 interceptions with the Giants in 2024 and could be a situational chess piece on passing downs.
Summary & Grade
Green Bay took a measured approach, but made some meaningful upgrades. Banks strengthens the interior, Hobbs shores up a shaky secondary, and Hardman and Simmons add speed and versatility. Still, the Packers did not find a clear WR1 and remain thin at safety. They also failed to add help at tight end, where neither Tucker Kraft nor Luke Musgrave has taken over. These missing pieces could limit the offense’s ceiling.
Grade: C+
Key Free Agent Additions
C Ryan Kelly (2 years, $18 million)
Ryan Kelly fills a crucial need at center and brings Pro Bowl experience from Indianapolis. He’ll help rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy by managing protection calls and identifying blitzes in Kevin O’Connell’s system. Kelly allowed 2 sacks and 3 penalties in 2024 while playing nearly every snap.
OG Will Fries (5 years, $88 million)
Fries earned a long-term deal after a breakout season in Indianapolis. He offers flexibility at both guard spots and excelled in zone-blocking schemes. His 86.9 PFF grade in 2024 reflects his growth, and while a fractured tibia ended his season early, he is expected to be a key part of Minnesota’s line.
DT Jonathan Allen (2 years, $15 million)
Allen brings veteran leadership and physicality to the defensive front. After several strong years in Washington, he adds a proven interior presence with the ability to disrupt the run and pressure the quarterback. He tallied 5.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss last season and should pair well with new teammate Javon Hargrave.
DT Javon Hargrave (2 years, $30 million)
Hargrave missed most of 2024 with a torn triceps, but his track record speaks for itself. With 45.5 career sacks, he offers rare pass-rushing ability from the interior. If healthy, he and Allen could give Minnesota one of the most formidable defensive tackle duos in the league.
Summary & Grade
Minnesota focused on the trenches, adding veteran stability for a young quarterback and bolstering the defensive interior. The additions of Kelly and Fries give J.J. McCarthy a solid foundation up front, and Allen and Hargrave anchor a tough defensive front. However, the Vikings failed to address key holes at cornerback and running back. Those gaps may prevent them from controlling the clock or stopping top-tier offenses when it matters most.
Grade: B-
Overall Division Outlook
The NFC North enters 2025 as one of the most improved and physically tough divisions in the NFL. Chicago made the loudest splash with major additions on both lines, but questions remain at tackle and wide receiver depth. Detroit invested heavily in the secondary and now boasts one of the deeper cornerback groups in the league, though they still lack an edge rusher to pair with Hutchinson. Green Bay quietly added toughness and speed but left some key offensive questions unanswered. Minnesota prioritized veteran leadership and trench play to support J.J. McCarthy, but their lack of secondary and backfield upgrades could hold them back.
There is no clear favorite. And that is what makes this division one to watch.
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