The NFL free-agent period is just about done, with only a few significant names remaining. Basically, the only thing remaining between now and the season is the NFL Draft, so, we have a general idea of what all of the team are going to look like heading into 2024.

We already ranked the NFC East recently, so now let’s focus on one of the most interesting divisions in football: the NFC North.

This may very well be the best division in the conference, although there are certainly a lot of questions featuring every NFC North team.

Without further ado, let’s get to the rankings.

4. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings lost Kirk Cousins in free agency and still have no idea who their quarterback is going to be next season.

I’m not buying the idea that Minnesota is comfortable going into 2024 with Sam Darnold under center, and while he may end up representing a bridge starter at quarterback for a duration of time, he is certainly not who the club is pinning its hopes on for the future.

The Vikings own two first-round draft picks (Nos. 11 and 23), so they will almost certainly select a signal-caller. They could take one at No. 11, or they could package a couple of picks and move up for one.

Minnesota did make a couple of shrewd free-agent signings, like adding edge rushers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel to replace Danielle Hunter, who left for the Houston Texans. The Vikings also brought in Aaron Jones to solidify their running game, although it remains to be seen how much he actually has left in the tank.

Perhaps the most interesting storyline to follow in Minnesota, though, is wide receiver Justin Jefferson. He is entering the final year of his deal, and the Vikings seem in no rush to extend him. Will they seriously let him test free agency next offseason? Or will they try and lock him up now?

Better yet, will Jefferson commit to Minnesota without knowing who will be taking snaps for the club next year?

Regardless, the Vikings look like the worst team in this division right now.

3. Chicago Bears

The Bears could be sneaky good in 2024. It all depends on USC quarterback Caleb Williams, who the team will almost surely be taking with the No. 1 overall pick next month.

Chicago added another weapon in wide receiver Keenan Allen, giving the Bears a rather impressive duo of Allen and DJ Moore in their aerial attack. They also signed running back D’Andre Swift, who enjoyed a breakout campaign with the Philadelphia Eagles this past season.

The Bears didn’t really do a whole lot else. They re-signed cornerback Jaylon Johnson, which was huge, but they didn’t add anyone of real significance to their defense. Yes, they signed safety Kevin Byard, but he displayed this past year that he is well past his prime.

Still, Chicago’s defense should be solid enough as it is, especially considering it will now have a full season of Montez Sweat rushing opposing signal-callers.

You also really have to like the weapons that Williams will have at his disposal. We already mentioned Allen, Moore and Swift, but there is also tight end Cole Kmet, who had a terrific under-the-radar season in 2023.

This is a team that could win 10 games. Remember: the Bears went a very respectable 7-6 over their last 13 games this past year, and that was with Tyson Bagent making four starts under center with Justin Fields sidelined.

Fields is no longer around, but if Williams lives up to expectations, Chicago could be tough. Of course, the Bears could also finish 7-10 again if Williams struggles early.

2. Green Bay Packers

The Packers could very well win the NFC North next season if Jordan Love continues his rapid ascension.

Love was brilliant over the last half of 2023, throwing 18 touchdowns and just one interceptions over his last eight games. Green Bay went 6-2 over that span.

He then showed some pretty impressive chops in the playoffs, leading the Packers to a win over the Dallas Cowboys and even taking a lead into the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers.

Green Bay added running back Josh Jacobs to its arsenal offensively, and while it may seem like an odd fit given the Packers’ pass-heavy style, Jacobs might end up being fresher and more efficient in the tundra than he was with his workhorse load in Las Vegas.

The Packers also added top-flight safety Xavier McKinney to improve their defense.

One of the most intriguing parts of Green Bay, however, as its receiving corps. The Packers have a very impressive stable of young receivers in Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks. Not only that, but they have tight end Luke Musgrave, who could be in for a breakout sophomore campaign.

The Packers went just 9-8 this past season, but keep in mind that they were an entirely different time over the back half of the year.

This could end up being an 11 or 12-win ballclub if everything breaks right. I also think Love will avoid the sophomore slump (well, he’s not really a second-year player, but a second-year starter), as he pretty much went through it for the first half of 2023.

1. Detroit Lions

I like that the Lions are coming back with the same offensive nucleus that won them 12 games and an NFC North division crown this past year.

Jared Goff is still under center. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs comprise a terrific backfield. Amon-Ra St. Brown is one of the best wide outs in football. Tight end Sam LaPorta is a superstar in the making.

What I do not like is the fact that Detroit has not even made an effort to bring back Josh Reynolds, who was the club’s No. 2 receiver in 2023. It hasn’t tried to replace him, either.

I get it: the Lions are hoping that Jameson Williams breaks through, as he did show some promise late in the regular season and in the playoffs. But can Detroit put its full trust in him?

Perhaps the Lions will select another wide out in the draft, but the fact that St. Brown is the only proven receiver the team has is a little uncomfortable.

Plus, Detroit did a rather subpar job of addressing its major defensive issues, namely its secondary and its pass rush. The Lions did add cornerback Carlton Davis, but they lost safety CJ Gardner-Johnson. And yes, they signed defensive end Marcus Davenport, but with all of the cap room they had, you would think they could have made more of an effort for someone like Brian Burns. Heck, Jadeveon Clowney is still out there. Maybe Detroit should take a look at him?

It seems like nitpicking, especially because I have the Lions ranked No. 1 in this division. But after the season Detroit just had, winning its first division title in 30 years and making it all the way to the NFC Championship Game after having not won a playoff game since January 1992, you would think the Lions would have been more aggressive in free agency. Again, they had the money to spend.

Perhaps Detroit is being economical to try and save cash to extend Goff and St. Brown, but you kind of get the feeling that the Lions missed the boat a little bit here, particularly with the Packers nipping at their heels.

They’re still really good, though.

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