https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfc-offseason-grades-2026/

NFC offseason grades: Giants and Rams understand the assignment; NFC North leaves us wanting more

Were the Bears, Vikings, Packers and Lions trying to get better this offseason? It sure didn't feel like it

Minnesota Vikings: C

• Notable additions: QB Kyler Murray, WR Jauan Jennings, DT Caleb Banks, LB Jake Golday, CB James Pierre, DT Domonique Orange

• Notable departures: DT Javon Hargrave, EDGE Jonathan Greenard, WR Jalen Nailor, DT Jonathan Allen

The success or failure of this offseason will fall on the shoulders of Kyler Murray. If Minnesota can tap into Murray's talent and get slightly above-average quarterback play, it might pick up right where it left off in 2024 when Sam Darnold was under center.

However, that's easier said than done, as Murray hasn't been the most durable player during his career, missing 30 of a possible 68 games over the past five seasons. There's a high ceiling with the addition of Murray, who is likely to win the quarterback battle against J.J. McCarthy, but a low floor as well.

Defensively, the Vikings traded away Jonathan Greenard to the Eagles and parted ways with Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave in cost-cutting moves, so the defense may take a step back as well. Similar to Murray, the fate of that side of the ball could fall on how first-round defensive tackle Caleb Banks fares. The Florida product oozes talent, but there are durability concerns having dealt with multiple foot injuries.

Chicago Bears: C

• Notable additions: S Dillon Thieneman, LB Devin Bush, S Coby Bryant, C Garrett Bradbury, OT Jedrick Wills Jr., C Logan Jones

• Notable departures: WR D.J. Moore, LB Tremaine Edmunds, C Drew Dalman, S Kevin Byard, S Jaquan Brisker, CB Nahshon Wright

It feels like more talent went out the door than came in this offseason for the Bears. The most notable move was trading DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills, but Chicago added a plethora of receivers on the roster, and the emergence of 2025 second-rounder Luther Burden III throughout his rookie season likely gave the organization the confidence to move off Moore.

The Bears used the No. 25 overall pick to add Thieneman to a safety room that saw both Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker leave in free agency.

Detroit Lions: C

• Notable additions: OT Blake Miller, C Cade Mays, EDGE Derrick Moore, RB Isiah Pacheco, DB Roger McCreary

• Notable departures: RB David Montgomery, LB Alex Anzalone, DT DJ Reader, CB Amik Robertson, OT Taylor Decker

Detroit's offense felt like it was merely replacing departures rather than adding to a roster looking to rebound after missing the playoffs. The club shipped David Montgomery to the Texans and replaced him with Isiah Pacheco. It released starting offensive tackle Taylor Decker and used a first-round pick on Blake Miller. Those aren't bad moves by any stretch, but I'm not sure they elevate the team either.

The addition of Derrick Moore in the second round of the drat should finally give the Lions a pass-rushing threat opposite Aiden Hutchinson, which is encouraging. The Lions made some decent moves, but none that our jaws on the floor.

Green Bay Packers: C- 

• Notable additions: DT Javon Hargrave, LB Zaire Franklin, CB Brandon Cisse, K Trey Smack, WR Skyy Moore

• Notable departures: QB Malik Willis, WR Romeo Doubs, EDGE Rashan Gary, LB Quay Walker, OT Rasheed Walker, OL Elgton Jenkins, WR Dontayvion Wicks

It doesn't feel like Green Bay got noticeably better this offseason. The Packers made moves along the defense, adding Hargrave, Franklin and Cisse, but none of those exactly move the needle. Meanwhile, they lost Quay Walker, who led the team in tackles last season, and Rashan Gary, who was second behind Micah Parsons in sacks. 

When you throw in the loss of defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley (hired as the Dolphins' head coach), the defense could take a bit of a step back.

Moreover, Romeo Doubs was one of their most reliable receivers, and both Rasheed Walker and Elgton Jenkins were solid along the offensive line.