Free agency always reshapes the NFC North, and this year is no different. Every team has lost key contributors, but some departures will hurt more than others. Here’s the biggest free-agent loss for each NFC North team after the first week.
One week into free agency, every NFC North team has lost significant players. Some teams were hit harder than others, but each franchise lost at least one pivotal contributor. Here’s a look at the most impactful departure for each team so far.
Detroit Lions: LB Alex Anzalone
Linebacker Alex Anzalone spent five seasons with Detroit, earning a captain’s patch and becoming a focal point of the defense. His leadership and production will be difficult to replace.
The Lions currently project Trevor Nowaske and Malcolm Rodriguez as possible replacements,both of whom represent a downgrade in experience and overall impact.
Since joining Detroit in 2021, Anzalone and Jacksonville’s Foyesade Oluokun are the only NFL linebackers to record five or more pass breakups in each season during that span. Anzalone is also one of just four linebackers to post 30-plus pass breakups and 25-plus tackles for loss since 2021.
2025 PFF grades
• Overall: 67.5 (32nd)
• Run defense: 65.6 (51st)
• Pass rush: 65.2 (39th)
• Coverage: 65.3 (23rd)
2025 stats
• 68 total tackles
• 3 sacks
• 18 total pressures
• 1,003 defensive snaps
Anzalone is entering his 10th NFL season, and his experience and leadership leave a noticeable void in Detroit’s defense.
Minnesota Vikings: WR Jalen Nailor
The Vikings saw several players depart, but wide receiver Jalen Nailor stands out as a key loss. While veterans such as Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave were released, Nailor left in free agency to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Nailor quietly developed into a reliable weapon in Minnesota’s offense, steadily increasing his role and producing timely plays. One of his biggest moments came last season when he made a clutch Christmas Day catch against the Lions.
Although Nailor has only 11 career touchdowns, 10 of them came during the past two seasons. Across his time as a starter, he totaled 114 targets, 69 receptions, 1,066 yards and 11 touchdowns in 16 starts.
2025 PFF grades
• Overall: 66.3 (54th)
• Receiving: 67.1 (54th)
2025 stats
• 49 targets
• 419 routes run
• 29 receptions
• 444 receiving yards
• 4 touchdowns
• 15.3 yards per reception
• 451 snaps
Green Bay Packers: WR Romeo Doubs
The Packers arguably suffered the most roster turnover during free agency.
Green Bay lost several starters, including left tackle Rashaad Walker, linebacker Quay Walker, and defensive lineman Colby Wooden. The team also lost backup quarterback Malik Willis, who filled in effectively when Jordan Love missed time.
However, the most impactful departure may be wide receiver Romeo Doubs.
Doubs had become one of Love’s most reliable pass catchers. With his departure, the Packers will rely more heavily on second-year receiver Matthew Golden and an injury-prone group that includes Jayden Reed and Christian Watson.
Career stats
• 50 games started
• 320 targets
• 202 receptions
• 2,424 receiving yards
• 21 touchdowns
• 141 first downs
2025 PFF grades
• Overall: 71.0
• Receiving: 73.7
• Snaps: 448
• Drops: 3
Doubs also posted a 112.7 passer rating when targeted, the 13th-best mark among receivers.
Chicago Bears: C Drew Dalman
The Bears suffered a surprising loss along the offensive line when center Drew Dalman chose to retire.
Dalman, 27, had signed a three-year deal with Chicago the previous season but unexpectedly announced his retirement just days before free agency began. Chicago moved quickly to address the vacancy by trading a fifth-round pick for veteran center Garrett Bradbury.
Dalman was coming off a Pro Bowl season, making his sudden departure even more impactful.
Chicago also lost both starting safeties, released its starting linebacker and traded wide receiver DJ Moore, but Dalman’s retirement may be the most difficult loss to replace.
Garrett Bradbury — 2025 PFF grades
• Overall: 60.1
• Run blocking: 56.2
• Pass blocking: 63.1
Bradbury played 1,070 snaps, allowing 0 sacks, four QB hits and 20 pressures.
Drew Dalman — 2025 PFF grades
• Overall: 77.5
• Run blocking: 78.9
• Pass blocking: 69.0
Dalman played 1,154 snaps, allowing one sack, one QB hit and 24 pressures.
Conclusion
Every NFC North team lost at least one key contributor during free agency, but the Bears and Packers appear to have been hit the hardest.
Detroit lost a respected leader in Anzalone, but the Lions largely avoided losing core players. If their replacements can step up, the impact on the roster may be minimal compared with the losses faced by their division rivals.