{"time":1773627814281,"blocks":[{"id":"mmsk74po","type":"video","data":{"url":"https://us-central1-deweb-519a7.cloudfunctions.net/mediaService-api/videos/935ebf14-9c81-4e09-9f10-95cce897b7eb/mp4","caption":"","autoplay":false,"controls":true,"muted":false,"stretched":true,"width":0,"height":0,"image":{"url":"https://us-central1-deweb-519a7.cloudfunctions.net/mediaService-api/videos/935ebf14-9c81-4e09-9f10-95cce897b7eb/thumbnail"},"cdn":{"videoId":"935ebf14-9c81-4e09-9f10-95cce897b7eb","libraryId":"372172","collectionId":"30032062-eefd-4041-a355-12ad05bc987b","cdnBaseUrl":"https://vz-052fc010-b27.b-cdn.net","mp4Url":"https://us-central1-deweb-519a7.cloudfunctions.net/mediaService-api/videos/935ebf14-9c81-4e09-9f10-95cce897b7eb/mp4","thumbnailUrl":"https://us-central1-deweb-519a7.cloudfunctions.net/mediaService-api/videos/935ebf14-9c81-4e09-9f10-95cce897b7eb/thumbnail","previewAnimationUrl":"https://vz-052fc010-b27.b-cdn.net/935ebf14-9c81-4e09-9f10-95cce897b7eb/preview.webp"}}},{"id":"1TE-elegbJ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The first week of NFL free agency has wrapped up, and all four teams in the NFC North made notable additions and subtractions. While none of the teams landed a massive blockbuster that instantly reshaped the division, each team did add at least one player who could have a meaningful impact in 2026."}},{"id":"gnzQK9UN60","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Here’s a look at the biggest free-agent addition for each team through the opening week."}},{"id":"EYM8ynTCu7","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Detroit Lions: C Cade Mays"}},{"id":"x27padf3GH","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Detroit Lions addressed a key need by signing center Cade Mays to a three-year, $25 million contract with $14 million guaranteed. The move helps stabilize the center position after longtime starter Frank Ragnow moved on and veteran Graham Glasgow struggled in the role last season."}},{"id":"PDql0ZU43m","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Mays, 26, stands 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds and previously spent time with the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants."}},{"id":"IjRNEpa0uC","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"In 2025, Mays posted a 62.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking 24th out of 40 centers. His pass protection was the strength of his game, earning a 69.4 pass-blocking grade (13th). His run blocking graded lower at 58.4."}},{"id":"S4xmtjvjgO","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Across 726 snaps, Mays allowed zero sacks, just three quarterback hits, and 11 total pressures while committing only two penalties. In 2024 he posted stronger numbers, including a 74.9 pass-blocking grade that ranked sixth among centers."}},{"id":"hluUx6SPPf","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Over his career (1,706 snaps), Mays has allowed four sacks, six quarterback hits, and 42 pressures. For Detroit, the move provides stability to one of the league’s best offensive lines."}},{"id":"FUgITHHpDa","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Minnesota Vikings: QB Kyler Murray"}},{"id":"5GY-3Qpwb4","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Minnesota Vikings made the most intriguing move in the division by signing Kyler Murray to a one-year deal after his release from the Arizona Cardinals."}},{"id":"626BmswA7V","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The move comes after second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy dealt with injuries and inconsistency in 2025."}},{"id":"3pDuP3tB9Z","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Murray, the former No. 1 overall pick, has thrown for 20,460 yards, 121 touchdowns, and 60 interceptions over seven seasons while adding 3,193 rushing yards and 32 rushing touchdowns."}},{"id":"tQsocFTUPS","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Head coach Kevin O’Connell has a strong reputation for quarterback development, previously helping revive the career of Sam Darnold and maximizing veteran production from Kirk Cousins."}},{"id":"HSWFswSzQS","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Murray raises Minnesota’s upside, but the one-year deal shows the team is still evaluating its long-term quarterback situation."}},{"id":"k2XqkFTo_C","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Chicago Bears: S Coby Bryant"}},{"id":"tNrdD_-cmu","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Chicago Bears strengthened their secondary by signing safety Coby Bryant to a three-year, $40 million contract with $25 million guaranteed after losing starters Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard."}},{"id":"_YcVCWgEqG","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Bryant arrives from the Seattle Seahawks, where he spent four seasons. In 2025 he recorded 66 tackles, seven pass breakups, four interceptions, four tackles for loss, and one forced fumble."}},{"id":"4IpgdjUite","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"PFF graded him at 65.5 overall (45th among safeties) with a 61.9 coverage grade and a 70.3 run-defense grade. He logged 974 snaps but also had 17 missed tackles, which ranked among the highest at his position."}},{"id":"gl65j14lcb","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Bryant adds youth and playmaking ability to a secondary that needed help."}},{"id":"dE3nLGFcbV","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Green Bay Packers: DL Javon Hargrave"}},{"id":"XwEFP9RlhN","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Green Bay Packers were the least active team in the division during the opening wave of free agency. Their biggest move was signing veteran defensive tackle Javon Hargrave to a two-year, $23 million deal after his release from the Minnesota Vikings."}},{"id":"bGk3Z1wlms","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Hargrave, 33, is entering his 11th NFL season and has made two Pro Bowl appearances."}},{"id":"_54L5bIj3m","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Last season he started 15 games and recorded 3.5 sacks, 52 tackles, four tackles for loss, and six quarterback hits. Across 537 snaps he generated 31 total pressures."}},{"id":"eDvwjHVvxT","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"For his career, Hargrave has started 130 games and recorded 49 sacks, 432 tackles, and 59 tackles for loss, giving Green Bay a proven interior presence."}},{"id":"zIl0nyeQv7","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Conclusion"}},{"id":"CgaFZx9kWI","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Overall, the NFC North didn’t see any division-shaking moves in the first week of free agency. Minnesota’s signing of Kyler Murray may carry the most intrigue simply because quarterback moves have the biggest impact."}},{"id":"7SsNY9bULZ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Still, from a Detroit Lions perspective, none of these additions drastically change the balance of power. Detroit addressed a key need at center while maintaining one of the strongest rosters in the division heading into the draft."}}],"version":"2.31.0"}

NFL Free Agency: The Most Impactful Signing for Every NFC North Team