The NFC North is a cauldron of chaos and ambition as the 2025 NFL offseason unfolds. In the latest episode of Who Will Be King, a Fans First Sports Network production, hosts Pay, June, Foster, and Dave unpack a whirlwind of free agency moves, quarterback controversies, and stadium funding debates that could redefine the division. From the Detroit Lions’ aggressive roster upgrades to the Minnesota Vikings’ emphatic rejection of Aaron Rodgers, and the Chicago Bears’ battle with Illinois lawmakers, this episode delivers a Seussian tale of madness, money, and McCarthy. Here’s the full scoop on the NFC North’s wild week.

Detroit Lions: Roaring into Contention with DJ Reed and Depth

The defending NFC North champion Detroit Lions are not resting on their laurels. General Manager Brad Holmes made waves by signing cornerback DJ Reed to a $16 million-per-year deal—the highest external contract of his tenure. Reed, formerly of the New York Jets, steps in as a critical replacement for Carlton Davis, who bolted to New England under new head coach Brian Vrabel.

June, co-host of Bleachers to Speakers, highlighted Reed’s value:

“We had issues in our defensive backfield last year, and Carlton Davis was hinting he might leave. Signing DJ Reed was a replacement—and for a lot of fans, an upgrade. His durability is key. The best ability is availability.”

Foster echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the necessity of the move:

“When Carlton Davis went out the door, it was essential we got somebody. Reed’s a veteran who’s held his own on a strong Jets defense. We weren’t ready to hand the keys to rookie Terrion Arnold yet.”

Beyond Reed, the Lions added depth with signings like defensive tackle Roy Lopez (ex-Cardinals), linebacker Grant Stewart (ex-Colts), quarterback Kyle Allen (ex-Steelers), and tight end Kenny Yeboah. However, the departure of guard Kevin Zeitler to Miami stings. Zeitler anchored a right-side offensive line that powered 62% of Detroit’s potent rushing attack last year. His replacement, second-year guard Christian Mahogany—nicknamed “Big Wood” and “Dirt Bag” by Holmes—carries big expectations.

Pay, a Bears fan, couldn’t resist a jab:

“As a Chicago fan, I’m happy to see Zeitler go. Maybe you’ll come back to the pack a little bit—no Lions pun intended.”

June defended Mahogany’s potential:

“Don’t sleep on Mahogany, man. He played well when Zeitler was out last year. They’re high on him.”

The Lions’ moves signal a clear intent: fortify the secondary and maintain their offensive line’s dominance to defend their crown.

Green Bay Packers: A Quiet Offseason Sparks Fan Frustration

Across the border in Wisconsin, the Green Bay Packers are drawing ire for a lackluster free agency. Their marquee addition? Wide receiver Mecole Hardman from the Kansas City Chiefs. Hardman’s stat line—10 starts, 14 targets, and 12 receptions in 2024—hardly screams “game-changer,” especially for a team desperate for a No. 1 receiver after running back Josh Jacobs publicly called for one.

Dave summed up the Packers’ woes:

“Fans are upset. One guy posted, ‘We’re waiting for a top wide receiver, and we let DK Metcalf, Tyreek Hill, and Tee Higgins go by, and we get Mecole effin’ Hardman.’ They haven’t done squat.”

Other moves include offensive lineman Aaron Banks and cornerback Nate Hobbs (four years, $48 million), aimed at revamping the secondary. But with star corner Jaire Alexander still on the roster, the fanbase remains unimpressed.

June played devil’s advocate:

“Maybe the organization thinks they don’t need as much help. But fans want signings—they want to see action.”

Pay quipped:

“That upset looks good on them. Get that little bit of help all the way to fourth place.”

The Packers’ quiet offseason contrasts sharply with their rivals’ bold moves, leaving Cheeseheads drooping on this “cold, dark night.”

Chicago Bears: Stadium Funding Tied to Wins

The Chicago Bears’ biggest news this week isn’t a signing—it’s a political football. The Illinois State Assembly debated a bill requiring professional sports teams to post a .500 record or better in three of the past five seasons to qualify for public stadium funding. With a vote looming on March 21, 2025, the Bears’ dreams of a new lakefront stadium hang in the balance.

Pay, host of Frustrated Chicago Sports Fans, broke it down:

“As a taxpayer, you want payback for what you’re funding—manifested in the on-field product. But tying a billion-dollar real estate deal to a nine-and-eight season? There’s so much red tape and politics involved.”

Dave agreed on principle but saw flaws:

“It’s simple: you suck, you get no money. But the solution is for the McCaskeys to say, ‘Alright, we’re moving.’”

Pay shot back:

“Cut it out, Dave. You’ll find out the hard way—you can’t leave without us.”

The Bears’ lack of on-field moves this week—after a flurry of earlier signings—only heightens the stakes. A new stadium could galvanize the franchise, but failure to meet the performance threshold might force the McCaskeys to dip into their football-only coffers or risk relocation threats.

Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy Era Begins, Rodgers Rebuffed

The Minnesota Vikings stole headlines by slamming the door on Aaron Rodgers, cementing J.J. McCarthy as their QB1 for 2025. Tom Pellissero reported the Vikings are “out” on Rodgers, who reportedly begged for a reunion with head coach Kevin O’Connell, his former teammate. Instead, Minnesota is banking on McCarthy, their 2024 first-round pick, to usher in a new era.

Dave, from Vikings 1st & SKOL, celebrated the decision:

“Sanity came to Eagan. J.J. McCarthy is QB1, and we can breathe a sigh of relief. No more ‘Rodgers demands a three-year, $100 million deal’ nonsense.”

Pay pressed on Rodgers’ next move:

“Where does that leave him? Pittsburgh? The Giants? He’s not sitting out through camp.”

Dave predicted:

“Pittsburgh’s the last Mohican. Fans will hope he can lead them to the promised land, but the rest of the league laughs. He’s a 41-year-old washed-up quarterback off an Achilles injury.”

The Vikings also teased a blockbuster rumor: a potential trade for Indianapolis Colts guard Quinton Nelson to bolster their offensive line, which boasts tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill. With $30 million in cap space, Dave mused:

“If Nelson comes, I’ll be smiling all month. Bookend him with two of the best tackles in the league—hell yes.”

June, a Michigan alum, vouched for McCarthy’s arm:

“He threw 22 touchdowns in 2022 and nearly 3,000 yards in 2023 in a run-heavy offense. He’s a gunslinger with no fear.”

Pay set an over/under at 29.5 touchdown passes for McCarthy in 2025. Dave took the over:

“Slightly over, probably under 35. Our receivers are better than Michigan’s.”

The Vikings’ pivot to McCarthy and potential line upgrades signal a bold bet on youth over nostalgia.

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Division Roundup: Madness, Money, and McCarthy

As free agency slows, the NFC North’s pecking order remains fluid. The Lions fortified their roster but mourn Zeitler’s loss. The Packers’ inactivity fuels fan discontent. The Bears face a stadium saga that could reshape their future. And the Vikings, with McCarthy at the helm, dream of glory unseen since 1976.

Pay closed with a nod to rivalries:

“Keep fighting the good fight. Keep hating on the Packers. Bear down, everybody.”

Dave added a plug:

“Catch my full Vikings analysis on Vikings 1st & SKOL Thursday at 6 p.m. We’re moving to St. Louis, but the show goes on.”

June and Foster invited listeners to Bleachers to Speakers:

“We’re talking draft prospects, Pistons, and Tigers. Hit that notification bell.”

This NFC North roundup proves one thing: in a division of wild fans and wilder tales, the battle for the crown is just heating up. Who will be king? Tune in next week to find out.

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Follow us on Twitter ✖️ for more updates… Pay @TheRealPayday, host of the Frustrated Chicago Sports Fans, June @asgjune & M Foster @Mbrfosterchild, hosts of the Bleachers To Speakers [Lions] podcast, and Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare, from @Vikings1stSKOL. This has been a joint podcast production partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN and Fans First Sports Network’s NFL feed @FFSN_NFL.