Earlier today, we passed along updates on Adrian Peterson and Matt Forte, two star NFC North running backs who aren’t satisfied with their current contract situations. We’ve got a few more items this afternoon from out of the division, including one note related to another player who is seeking a new deal. Here’s the latest:
- Asked if he felt like he outperformed his contract in 2014, Lions safety James Ihedigbo replied, “I was a Pro Bowl alternate, so that answers that question,” writes Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Ihedigbo reported to the team’s OTAs, but still wants more money, more years, or both added onto his current contract, which calls for a $1.1MM base salary in 2015.
- Vikings offensive tackle Matt Kalil said today that he’d like to play for “another five, six years,” according to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press (Twitter link). Kalil, whose fifth-year option for 2016 was exercised by Minnesota earlier this offseason, turns 26 in July, so playing just five or six more seasons would mean retiring in his early-30s.
- After releasing Ray McDonald earlier this week following his latest domestic violence arrest, Bears chairman George McCaskey spoke to reporters today, including Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times, taking responsibility for having brought the defensive lineman to the team. Even though the McDonald signing went south, the club still has “complete confidence” in new GM Ryan Pace, per McCaskey.