As we approach training camps, the NFC North looks like it will be a competitive division once again. There are still some question marks for each team, but overall, this division has some talent in it.
But, teams can always improve as training camp goes on. Players are cut from other teams or put on the trade block that may no longer have a place on their current team but can help out another one.
Which players can help the teams in the NFC North? Here is one ideal trade target for each team in the division.
Green Bay Packers: TE Zach Ertz
The Green Bay Packers had Robert Tonyan emerge out of nowhere last season, catching 52 passes for 586 yards and 11 touchdowns. He looks like the real deal, but adding some more veteran depth at the position wouldn’t hurt.
The Packers could look into trading for Philadelphia Eagles tight end, Zach Ertz. Ertz has been available since the NFL Draft and was hopeful to have a new home by now. He battled some injuries last season but was regarded as one of the best tight ends in the league for years before that.
Adding him would add another weapon to a Packers’ passing attack that has improved this offseason but would be even more potent with the former Cincinnati Bearcat lining up with Tonyan.
Chicago Bears: WR N’Keal Harry
The Chicago Bears landed their quarterback of the future in Justin Fields in the 2021 NFL Draft. Now, they just have to upgrade the skill positions around him. Taking a flyer on former first-round pick N’Keal Harry would make some sense.
Allen Robinson is a great No. 1 receiver to have, but the team has little else behind him. Darnell Mooney had a good rookie season and earned himself a spot in the lineup. That has seemingly pushed Anthony Miller down the depth chart, who drew criticism from the owner after an ejection in the playoffs.
Harry has been unable to consistently perform with the New England Patriots, so maybe a change of scenery with the potential for more opportunities would help him.
Minnesota Vikings: CB Stephon Gilmore
The Minnesota Vikings spent a lot of their resources this offseason to improve the team’s defense. They added several cornerbacks, including Patrick Peterson, but could add another in New England Patriots cornerback, Stephon Gilmore.
Minnesota has been named as the No. 1 potential landing spot by some people should New England trade their former All-Pro corner. Gilmore is holding out over his contract and if we have learned anything about the Patriots it is that they will trade a player a year too early instead of a year too late.
With a defensive head coach in Mike Zimmer and extra draft picks, Gilmore is a logical target for a team looking to revamp and turn around a unit that let them down in 2020. If the Vikings want to win the NFC North, they will need another good cornerback who can help slow down the opposing elite NFC quarterbacks.
Detroit Lions: WR Brandin Cooks
The Detroit Lions are heading into a rebuild with a new general manager and head coach. They will do their best to remain competitive in Year 1 as they begin the roster overhaul. Veteran Jared Goff will be under center, but his weapons are limited.
Breshad Perriman and Tyrell Williams currently sit atop the wide receiver depth chart after Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr. left in free agency. Adding someone like Brandin Cooks would bring another dimension to the offense.
Cooks played with Goff on the Los Angeles Rams for two seasons in 2018 and 2019. In 2018 he had a career-high 1,204 yards. Adding a familiar face to his wide receiver group could make the transition that much smoother for Goff and the Lions.
