Here’s a roundup of a few Friday morning items on NFC North clubs:
- While Brandon Pettigrew may not be quite as crucial to the Lions’ offense as Dennis Pitta is to the Ravens’ passing attack, the Detroit tight end is a better run blocker and figures to receive a contract in the same ballpark as Pitta, says Justin Rogers of MLive.com. In Rogers’ view, a five-year deal worth about $30MM isn’t out of the question this offseason for Pettigrew.
- Examining Jared Allen’s recent comments about his free agency, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press is skeptical about the Vikings’ chances of re-signing the free agent defensive end.
- Defensive tackle Henry Melton made the Pro Bowl in 2012, but he’s coming off ACL surgery and is eligible for free agency this offseason. Bears GM Phil Emery must decide if an investment in Melton is worth the risk, writes Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun-Times.