This has been a tremendous offseason for the Chicago Bears, thus far, and we haven't even gotten through the 2025 NFL Draft.
After hiring the coach everybody wanted, the Bears went out and had themselves a productive free agency period by patching several holes with long-term solutions.
Yet, they still face unknowns. Can Caleb Williams take a step in Year 2? Is it going to be a bigger challenge than many of us thought under a new head coach? How will the Bears fare against three division foes who also made the postseason?
Things might get even more interesting for the Bears in coming days, too. We're waiting on Aaron Rodgers to make a decision and, as of this week, his pitch to the Minnesota Vikings was revealed. Rodgers basically told the Vikings he'd love to make a one-year championship run while helping mentor J.J. McCarthy.
It seems unlikely, but stranger things have happened. Rodgers to the Vikings would absolutely change the tone of this offseason within the NFC North.
Jalen Ramsey could find himself playing the Bears twice in 2025
While we still await a decision on Rodgers, there's another prominent veteran who could be on the move, and the NFC North is certainly within the realm of possibilities.
Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey appears to be on his way out as the team looks for a trade partner. While he isn't what he once was, Ramsey is still more than serviceable as a solid starter in this league.
And, it's an odd coincidence that the Vikings could still use cornerback depth. Not even that, but Ramsey coming in and starting would allow others like Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah to receive less pressure on their shoulders.
Ramsey immediately makes that Vikings defense even scarier.
But, the Packers also need cornerback help amid their Jaire Alexander situation. There are two teams within this division which make a lot of sense for Ramsey, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him dealt to a Bears foe in the coming days.
An NFC North with Rodgers back in it along with Ramsey? That would be something. The Bears' momentum would need to continue with a strong draft from Ryan Poles, that's for sure.
In the end, Rodgers and Ramsey joining the North would only make this coming season even more fun. The Bears are not going to be a "lay down and die" type of team like past years. You best believe this division is going to be as competitive as ever, especially with potential added veteran talent in the coming days.