The Detroit Lions are currently focused on shaping their roster for the 2026–27 campaign, but it’s difficult not to keep an eye on what the rest of the NFC North is doing as well. With the NFL Draft approaching, teams across the division are carefully evaluating their remaining weaknesses and figuring out how to address them.

Detroit’s 2025–26 season ended in disappointment, as the Lions finished at the bottom of the NFC North standings. That outcome was surprising considering the team had topped the division just a year earlier. Naturally, attention has turned to how their division rivals are positioning themselves for the upcoming season.

One NFL observer believes the Chicago Bears — now coached by former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson — could actually become a more manageable opponent in 2026. Detroit supporters would certainly welcome that scenario, especially since Chicago dominated the division last season and finished first.

Bears Secondary Could Be a Weak Spot

In an April 6 article for Detroit Jock City, analyst Jovan Alford explained that Chicago’s defensive backfield has undergone major changes. According to Alford, the Bears lost several members of their secondary in free agency, including Kevin Byard III, Jaquan Brisker, C. J. Gardner-Johnson, Nahshon Wright, and Jonathan Owens, all of whom signed one-year deals with other teams.

The departure of that many defensive backs could create challenges for Chicago. Alford pointed out that Detroit, which swept the season series against the Bears in 2025, likely isn’t upset to see players like Byard and Wright no longer in Chicago’s lineup.

To fill some of those vacancies, the Bears added safety Coby Bryant on a reported three-year, $40 million contract and brought in defensive back Cam Lewis on a two-year, $6 million deal. Those moves represent a significant financial investment, though their effectiveness will only become clear once the season begins.

Alford also noted that Chicago may need to rely heavily on cornerback Tyrique Stevenson as the team’s No. 2 corner following Wright’s departure. However, Stevenson’s performances have been inconsistent during his first three seasons in the league, which could make that role a concern.

If those issues persist, Alford suggested that when Jared Goff and the Lions offense face Chicago again, the Bears’ secondary could have a difficult time containing them.

Taylor Decker Uninterested in Joining NFC North Rivals

Meanwhile, former Lions left tackle Taylor Decker remains available in free agency after Detroit granted his release request earlier this year. During an appearance on the Lions Collective podcast on April 2, reporter Justin Rogers discussed a recent conversation he had with Decker about the veteran’s situation.

Rogers explained that Decker wants to compete for a championship but has mixed feelings about joining another franchise after dedicating so much of his career to Detroit. According to Rogers, Decker also has little interest in signing with the Bears or the Green Bay Packers due to their long-standing rivalry with the Lions.

Rogers noted that while Johnson’s move to Chicago made sense for the coach’s career, Decker views the idea of joining a divisional rival differently. In his eyes, making that switch would feel uncomfortable after spending years committed to Detroit. As a result, those NFC North destinations are reportedly not high on his list of potential landing spots.