NFC North Notes: Gurley, Lions, Packers

The Lions have shown some interest in signing two-time All-Pro running back Todd Gurley. It’s not clear if he’s still on the radar after their meeting last week, but Georgia alum D’Andre Swift would be happy to welcome him to Detroit’s backfield.

Knowledge. Experience,” Swift said when asked how he would benefit from playing with Gurley (via USA Today). “I’d be happy if he come here as well. I just want to compete with these guys. Just to have him in the building, that’d be good.”

Aside from their college connection, Gurley also has familiarity with the Lions’ new GM. Gurley’s best years in L.A. overlapped with Brad Holmes‘ Rams tenure, including 2,500+ rushing yards between 2017 and 2018. He’s been slowed by knee trouble ever since, but he could be an interesting partner for Swift now that Kerryon Johnson and Adrian Peterson are out of the picture.

Here’s more from the NFC North:

  • Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari is ahead of schedule as he returns from last year’s season-ending ACL tear (via Matt Schneidman of The Athletic). “He’s really working hard. I think he came back and he’s in excellent shape. We’re just going to take it one day at a time,” head coach Matt LaFleur said. “I think he’s a little bit ahead of schedule but then again there’s a long way to the start of the season. We’ll see where he’s at when it comes to that time.” Pro Football Focus ranked Bakhtiari as the league’s No. 2 tackle last year before his December injury. So, regardless of which quarterback he’s protecting, the Packers are counting on his presence.
  • Speaking of which, Packers running back Aaron Jones says he didn’t chat with Aaron Rodgers about the QB’s plans before inking his extension (Twitter link via Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette). “This is home,” Jones said. “This is where I love to be.”
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