The NFC North features one of the youngest groups of starting running backs in the NFL between the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings. All four backs remain on their rookie contracts. Dalvin Cook and Aaron Jones are already Pro Bowl-caliber players, and D’Andre Swift can join the duo this coming season.

The Detroit Lions used an early second-round pick on Swift this year, hoping to make him the face of their backfield. While it’s premature to admit defeat on the Kerryon Johnson selection Detroit made a few years ago, the franchise felt that Swift offered higher upside without the same injury concerns that Johnson carries.

The Green Bay Packers also used a second-round selection on a running back this year. The move calls into question Jones’ long-term future with the organization. He, and all non-first-round picks from the 2017 draft class, need new contracts after the upcoming season.

Cook, another member of the 2017 draft class, wants a new deal done this summer. After battling injuries during his first two seasons, the Florida State product performed at a high level in 2019. The 24-year-old wants to cash in, but the Minnesota Vikings might feel uncertain about giving the injury-prone back a lucrative deal.

David Montgomery sits at the bottom of the NFC North’s starting running back hierarchy. While he put together a decent rookie season, both Montgomery and the Chicago Bears suffer from shortcomings.