NFC North Shakeup

I said it'd be accelerated. We're one day into free agency under the new NFL CBA, and we've already got a potential shake up going down in the NFC North division.

Let's start with the most relevant news. A Nugget predicted right here (and everywhere else). The Packers are parting ways with veteran linebacker Nick Barnett. The 30 year old linebacker has sustained 2 season-ending injuries in 8 years in Green Bay, and it appears that the Packer brass just don't think he'll return from this recent DL stint strong enough to pilot their quick-strike 3-4 defense. This could have been foreseen last season, when GM Ted Thompson (he's baaaaaack) offered linebacker Desmond Bishop a 4 year deal worth a reported $19 Million after his breakout season. The final nail in the coffin may have been the resigning of fellow LB AJ Hawk for 5 years and $33.75 Million. Barnett needed a new contract and it just makes sense that there's no more room in the LB coffers after President Murphy coughed up all that money. For his part, Nick Barnett has handled the situation with class. Despite his hot-headed emotional nature on the field, Barnett has proven to be a classy, reliable locker room presence who will certainly be welcome elsewhere in the NFL. Will he land with another NFC North team? Highly unlikely, methinks. It is also unclear as to whether Barnett will be traded or released. He probably doesn't have much trade value, having just come off an injury, and the Packers may find it more beneficial to simply release him and gain some extra salary space.

Other big divisional news is the reported talks between the Vikings and Eagle-turned-Redskin QB Donovan McNabb. Minnesota just lost QB T-Jacks to Seattle (who cares) and will be looking to find a veteran whose wing rookie QB Christian Ponder might fit snugly under. This deal makes sense, but is all hearsay at this point. Word is that a potential handshake is contingent on McNabb restructuring his contract, and that more details will come to light during the day on Wednesday.

Also in the land of sky blue waters: WR Sidney Rice, who spent lots of time last season bemoaning the Vikings, now finds himself the subject of a reported bidding war between Minnesota and those same Seahawks who nabbed Vike's QB Tarvaris Jackson. Again, details are sparse, but things will move quickly.

I don't have the energy for another Minnesota beer reference, they're really at a Premium. Oh wait, that was another one! Anyway, the Vikings have also snatched Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Aromashodu. Not a top tier player, but certainly better than Hank Baskett and several other of the nameless goons Brett Favre found himself sending up prayer-passes to last season.

Speaking of you-know-who, heeeeee's (also) baaaaack. One day into free agency and there's already a Favre-shaped toe dipping itself in the pool. Reports say he'd accept a backup roll in Philadelphia, a very strong team with a good, but death-defyng QB in Michael Vick. Good lawd have mercy...

Surely day two will bring about more roster moves, and the DDS will be here to keep you informed. Until then, cheers.