Another NFL season is in the books. But don’t worry, there is still the combine, the draft, free agency, and the trade season to keep you entertained. Many of these teams won’t even take a second to evaluate what went right and wrong and how they need to improve the upcoming season. Here are the 2026 NFC North team needs.
Green Bay Packers
Biggest Needs: T, DL, CB
The Packers shored up most of their defense when they traded for Micah Parsons before the beginning of last season. However, they still have holes on the defensive line and the secondary. They are without a first-round pick and still need to address issues on their offensive line. They play in one of the best divisions in football. They’ll need to stay competitive after a disappointing exit in the Wild Card Round and while fans called for Matt LaFleur’s head, he was given an extension.
Detroit Lions
Biggest Needs: C, T, EDGE, CB
One of the toughest hurdles for the Lions to overcome this season was Frank Ragnow retiring right before the season began. That threw things off and made their offensive line a bit patchier. Outside of that, reinforcing the rest of the line while focusing on defense is key. The Lions need legit help in the secondary and a book end for Aidan Hutchinson. They’ll employ a new OC this year under Dan Campbell.
Minnesota Vikings
Biggest Needs: RB, C, DB
The Vikings will have the toughest decision of their season before they get to free agency. Do they stick with J.J. McCarthy, or will they try to make a splash with a big trade? All that sets the table for their year. Running back is their biggest area of need, Aaron Jones is aging and Jordan Mason didn’t step into the role they hoped he would when they traded for him in the offseason. Getting help in the secondary is a theme in this division.
Chicago Bears
Biggest Needs: DL, LB, S
The Bears were one of the best stories in 2025. Their offense seems set as they rebuilt their offensive line this past offseason. They clearly have their QB of the future; they are set at running back and have a stacked wide receiver and tight end room. Defense is the full focus for this team. Their defense handed games away this year, most notably against the 49ers in the Week 17 thriller which knocked them out of contention for the 1-seed.