NFC North.(NFL: Free agents PREVIEW)

CHICAGO BEARS

CAP SPACE: The team has about $17 million in cap room, which will allow it to be aggressive in the free-agent market. G.M. Jerry Angelo isn't one to throw a lot of money at one player, so multiple needs could be addressed. The Bears need a wide receiver--ideally someone who can return kicks--and depth on the offensive line. They also must address holes in the secondary. MOVING ON: CB Jerry Azumah's play appears to be in decline, so the team will let him become a free agent. But there aren't any obvious candidates on the roster to replace him as nickel back, though S Mike Green still could return to that role despite falling out of favor with the coaches. RG Terrence Metcalf, who is strong but injury-prone, could be re-signed for the right price, but the club has covered itself by signing Roberto Garza to a long-term deal. TARGETS: It's no secret the team will be one of the top suitors for WR Antwaan Randle El. He would be a huge upgrade on special teams for the Bears, who fumbled through most of last season with Bobby Wade as the punt returner. Randle El also would fill the need for a slot receiver. The Bears might target Rams SS Adam Archuleta, who is familiar with coach Lovie Smith's schemes, but they likely won't spend a lot to get him. The team could go after a quarterback, too, perhaps Brian Griese if he is released by the Buccaneers. If the Bears allocate any money for improving their offensive line depth, look for them to spend it on retaining Metcalf.--Brad Biggs

DETROIT LIONS

CAP SPACE: The team is about $9 million under the cap and will use most of that space to deal with its 19 unrestricted free agents. But there's room for two or three significant moves. MOVING ON: Several contributors from last season could leave: pass-rushing specialist Kalimba Edwards, MLB Earl Holmes, QB Jeff Garcia, LG Kyle Kosier and KR Eddie Drummond. Teddy Lehman would replace Holmes, a veteran pickup could replace Garcia, and a late-round draft pick could replace Drummond. TARGETS: The Lions gave LT Jeff Backus the franchise tag and will try to sign him to a long-term deal in the next couple of weeks. But even if they can't work that out, they're prepared to pay big dollars to keep him. If QB Joey Harrington won't restructure his contract, the team won't have much money to sign a veteran quarterback to be Harrington's backup and possibly challenge him for the starting job. So Drew Brees would not be an option, but the team could pursue the Bengals' Jon Kitna, the Cardinals' Josh McCown or the Bucs' Brian Griese (if he's released). Offensive line depth is a concern because the team could lose Kosier, a starter, and backup Gs Brock Gutierrez and Tyrone Hopson. Don't be surprised if the Lions take their time filling the starting guard spot. There aren't a lot of options available right now, which means prices might be too inflated for the Lions. On defense, the team will try to re-sign DL Jared DeVries, who is a valuable commodity because he can play inside and outside effectively.--Tom Kowalski

GREEN BAY PACKERS

CAP SPACE: The club has roughly $19 million, among the most in the league. That doesn't mean conservative G.M. Ted Thompson will spend it, but it does give him options, particularly if he needs to go after a quarterback. The cap space will be beneficial later in the free-agent period, when teams have to cut salaries to afford players they need. MOVING ON: The club expects to lose K Ryan Longwell, who won't be ...