Earlier today, we rounded up several Lions-related items, which focused on the hiring of new team president Rod Wood. Many of the reactions to that move have been been skeptical, calling into question Wood’s lack of football-related experience and his close relationship with the Ford family. However, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com argues that while Wood’s hiring may not be a popular decision among Lions fans, that doesn’t mean it’ll be a bad move.
Here’s more from around the NFC North:
- Bears running back Jeremy Langford has looked good in an increased role with Matt Forte injured in recent weeks, raising more questions about Forte’s future in Chicago beyond 2015, as Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune writes. While Forte says he’s willing to share the load in the Bears’ backfield, he acknowledges that there’s no guarantee he’ll still be with the team in 2016. “Chicago is kind of like that: ‘Well, see ya later, Matt,'” Forte said, referring to some narratives from the local media. “I’m like, ‘Man, I’ve been here going on eight years, y’all just going to throw me to the side like that?’ But that’s the nature of the NFL. And I don’t mind. I will play wherever I end up.”
- Packers defensive lineman Christian Ringo is on the team’s practice squad, but as of last week, he’s earning active-roster money, tweets Field Yates of ESPN.com. According to Yates, Ringo is one of several practice squad players around the NFL who is earning $25,588 per week, which is equivalent to the minimum salary for a rookie on the 53-man roster.
- Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has no interest in revisiting his time in Denver as Chicago prepares to host the Broncos this week, per Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com. “It’s so far removed,” Cutler said. “Coaching staff has changed. The only player I can really think of that was on the team is maybe Ryan Clady. I don’t know if there’s anybody else on that team at this point.”
I don’t think there’s any way that Forte returns to Chicago next year. Yes, it’s only been a few games, but Langford has proven that he’s capable of handling a full workload. And yes, the Bears have been better than expected this season, but they’re still going through something of a rebuild, so it doesn’t make sense to keep a veteran like Forte around.
I’ve really enjoyed watching Forte for the time he has been in Chicago but it would make no sense for the Bears to keep him when I’m sure he will get a deal better than what Frank Gore got last year and the Bears mid rebuild…the money should be spent on continuing to change the defense from the Tampa 2 to Fangio’s 3-4
Funny how when just about everybody understands common sense personnel decisions, the individual players involved always feel cast aside and mistreated, taking their verbal shots. They’re making millions wherever they go.