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.

Here’s a look at the biggest free-agent addition for each team through the opening week.

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Detroit Lions: C Cade Mays

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.

Mays, 26, stands 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds and previously spent time with the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants.

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.

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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.

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.

Minnesota Vikings: QB Kyler Murray

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.

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The move comes after second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy dealt with injuries and inconsistency in 2025.

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.

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.

Murray raises Minnesota’s upside, but the one-year deal shows the team is still evaluating its long-term quarterback situation.

Chicago Bears: S Coby Bryant

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.

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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.

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.

Bryant adds youth and playmaking ability to a secondary that needed help.

Green Bay Packers: DL Javon Hargrave

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.

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Hargrave, 33, is entering his 11th NFL season and has made two Pro Bowl appearances.

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.

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.

Conclusion

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.

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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.