2022 NFL free agency, trade grades for NFC North: Lions, Vikings leading the way in division’s rough offseason

The 2022 NFL offseason has been rampant with headlining moves, from big-name quarterback and wide receiver trades to splashy free-agent signings (we’re looking at you, Jaguars). Some divisions, meanwhile, have been particularly active, like the AFC West seemingly stocking up in preparation for a playoff race for the ages. What about the NFC North, though, from which the offseason’s first big drama — Aaron Rodgers’ future — emerged? Which teams in the North have fared well in free agency, and which ones have lots more work to do this offseason?

Here’s how we’d grade each of the four teams’ performances thus far:

Sorry, Bears fans, but if you thought the first step of the new regime would be to improve the team in free agency, well, you thought wrong. Pringle certainly brings speed to the WR room, but they could’ve used an alpha out wide for Justin Fields, not to mention a more proven starter in the trenches. The better investments are on the other side of the ball, where Muhammad and Jones should help the front seven. Mack’s departure, by the way, was understandable, especially considering his contract. It’s just that they still have lots of holes to fill and only one draft to do it before Fields kicks off an anticipated year two.

Nothing crazy here, one way or another. They didn’t make a huge splash on either side of the ball, but Chark is an underrated one-year flyer to pair with Reynolds and Amon-Ra St. Brown, giving Jared Goff — or whomever they may draft at QB — some solid downfield targets. Hughes and Walker, meanwhile, bring some upside to a still-rebuilding secondary. All in all, you can be content with this performance as a Lions fan, chiefly because the draft awaits and, unlike the Bears, Detroit is well positioned to add premium talent early and often. Let’s see if they can find a long-term answer under center.

Green Bay Packers: D+

They get some credit for ensuring Aaron Rodgers…