The NFC North is no stranger to fierce rivalries, but a darker storyline emerged in the latest episode of ‘Who Will Be King,’ the Fans First Sports Network’s definitive NFC North roundup. Hosted by Dave from ‘Vikings 1st & SKOL,’ with guests Pay from ‘Frustrated Chicago Sports Fans’ and Foster from ‘Bleachers to Speakers,’ the episode, recorded on June 25, 2025, dives into a controversial NFL arbitration case that has sent shockwaves through the league. The primary focus? Allegations of collusion among NFL owners, including those in the NFC North, to suppress fully guaranteed contracts for veteran players. Sparked by the Cleveland Browns’ $230 million fully guaranteed deal to Deshaun Watson in 2022, the case revealed a league-wide push to limit such contracts, with the Chicago Bears explicitly implicated for their role in maintaining this stance.

The arbitration, resolved in January 2025 by retired federal judge Christopher Droney, dismissed the NFL Players Association’s (NFLPA) grievance but uncovered troubling evidence. “In his conclusion, [Droney] said that it is possible that the owners did collude. However, it cannot prove the collusion happened,” Pay explained, paraphrasing the ruling. The NFL’s Management Council, led by Commissioner Roger Goodell, reportedly encouraged teams at a 2022 owners’ meeting to avoid fully guaranteed deals, a directive that Pay called “a bunch of hogwash” given the “smoking gun” of emails and texts among owners. One such exchange saw Los Angeles Chargers owner Dean Spanos congratulate the Arizona Cardinals’ owner for signing Kyler Murray to a less-than-fully-guaranteed deal, hinting at coordinated efforts to suppress player earnings.

The Bears, in particular, played a pivotal role. “The Bears never signed a veteran player to a fully guaranteed contract, ensuring that such deals did not become common on a piecemeal basis,” Pay noted, citing a Yardbarker report. This strategy aligned with the league’s broader push, as detailed in the arbitration’s 61-page ruling, which included emails and presentation slides warning that growing guarantees could “hinder roster management” and “set a market standard that will be difficult to walk back.” Dave highlighted the broader implications, pointing out that the Vikings’ 2018 fully guaranteed deal to Kirk Cousins set a precedent that the league sought to quash. “The league decided, no, we’re not gonna do this. It doesn’t make financial sense,” he said, emphasizing the tension between player earnings and team flexibility.

Foster, representing the Lions, brought a fan’s perspective to the debate, noting the financial strain on ticket prices and fan accessibility. “The price to go to a Lions game is pretty astronomical,” he said, adding that fully guaranteed contracts could exacerbate costs due to the NFL’s salary cap constraints. Unlike baseball, where unlimited spending allows teams to absorb bad contracts, the NFL’s cap makes such deals “a lot more detrimental,” Foster argued. The discussion underscored a divide: players deserve their earnings, but skyrocketing costs could alienate fans, making games a luxury for the elite.

Why Isn’t This a Bigger Story?

The hosts expressed frustration at the lack of mainstream coverage, with Pay calling out major media outlets for burying the story. “I’m on the ESPN app right now, and it is not there at all,” he said, suggesting that the NFL’s $20 billion influence over partners like ESPN, NBC, and CBS stifles critical reporting. Dave echoed this sentiment, noting that only independent voices like Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk (PFT) have dared to dig deep. “Shout out to Florio for sticking his neck out there,” Pay added, praising Florio’s investigative work. The hosts speculated that the NFL’s control over media narratives, coupled with the NFLPA’s relative weakness compared to other sports unions, has kept the collusion scandal under wraps. “The NFL is like Vito Corleone. They pull the strings,” Pay quipped, likening the league to a mafia boss manipulating coverage.

This lack of attention raises questions about accountability. The arbitration ruling, while dismissing the case, confirmed that the NFL’s Management Council issued directives that were “not purely educational” but rather “unmistakably encouraging” owners to limit guarantees. Dave questioned why players and agents aren’t louder about the issue, while Pay suggested that the NFL’s media dominance ensures silence. The Bears’ adherence to this strategy, alongside the Lions and Vikings, highlights how NFC North teams have navigated the controversy, prioritizing roster flexibility over blockbuster veteran deals.

Training Camp Battles: The Fight for the Throne

Shifting gears, the episode tackled the upcoming 2025 training camp battles, a critical storyline as the Bears, Lions, Packers, and Vikings prepare for the season. For the Bears, the left tackle position is a three-way race. “Braxton Jones, who’s the starter, is still nursing a leg injury from last season,” Pay explained, noting that Jones’ absence opens the door for rookie Ozzy Trapilo and second-year player Kiran Amegadjie. “To be fair, I think Braxton Jones is mid,” Pay admitted, suggesting that Trapilo, a third-round pick impressing in minicamps, or Amegadjie could seize the opportunity to protect quarterback Caleb Williams’ blindside. The Bears’ camp opens July 19 for rookies, with veterans reporting July 22, setting the stage for a heated competition under new head coach Ben Johnson.

The Lions face their own challenges, particularly at center following the retirement of Pro Bowl veteran Frank Ragnow. “The biggest question mark is replacing Frank Ragnow,” Foster said, highlighting rookie Tate Ratledge and veteran Graham Glasgow as frontrunners. Ratledge, a Georgia product who didn’t play center in college, is a bold choice, with some fans predicting he’ll start Week 1. “I think ultimately that’s the hopes,” Foster noted, though Glasgow’s experience makes it a close race. Other Lions battles include backup quarterback (Hendon Hooker vs. Kyle Allen) and wide receiver depth (Tim Patrick, Isaac TeSlaa, and Kalif Raymond vying for spots behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams). The Lions’ camp, starting July 26, gains extra attention due to their Hall of Fame game appearance.

The Packers are gearing up for intense training camp battles in 2025, with key competitions on the offensive line and in the secondary that could shape their NFC North fortunes. At offensive tackle/right guard, Jordan Morgan, a 2023 first-round pick, challenges incumbent left tackle Rasheed Walker and returning right guard starter Sean Rhyan for a starting role, a critical matchup to bolster protection for quarterback Jordan Love. In the secondary, the safety position pits Javon Bullard against Evan Williams, with Kitan Oladapo in the mix, while cornerback depth sees Gregory Junior and Kamal Hadden vying for roles behind Keisean Nixon, Nate Hobbs, and Carrington Valentine. The loss of Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander amplifies the stakes, as noted by Dave, “Green Bay’s problem is their backfield, and it’s gonna be interesting, especially with losing Jair Alexander.” Foster added, “Anything that results in the downfall of the Packers, I am a major proprietor of,” highlighting the division’s glee at Green Bay’s defensive vulnerabilities. These battles, set to unfold when camp opens on July 23, will be pivotal for the Packers’ Super Bowl aspirations.

For the Vikings, depth battles dominate. Dave outlined competitions at backup quarterback (Sam Howell favored over Brett Rypien and Max Brosmer), wide receiver four (Tai Felton vs. Rondale Moore, whose knee injury raises concerns), and cornerback depth (Mekhi Blackmon or Jeff Okudah for CB3, with Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers as starters). “It’s gonna be interesting,” Dave said, noting the Vikings’ camp opens July 26 with a fan-friendly night practice on August 4. These battles will shape each team’s roster, with implications for their NFC North supremacy bid.

Headlines and Hot Takes: Caleb’s Jab and More

The episode closed with lighter but no less spicy topics, including Bears quarterback Caleb Williams’ bold declaration at Fanatics Fest: “Packers fans suck.” Pay embraced the jab, likening it to “housebreaking his pet.” “I like it a lot. You gotta let them know early that there are rules of engagement,” he said, reveling in the rivalry fuel. Foster quipped, “In other news, water is wet,” underscoring the expected animosity. The comment, reported by Bleacher Nation, has ignited fan chatter, setting the tone for a heated Bears-Packers clash in the 2025 season opener.

Other headlines included the Lions’ salary cap strategy, avoiding Post-June 1 designations to maintain flexibility, and managing $6.98 million in dead cap from players like Cameron Sutton. Rumors of a potential trade for a former second-round edge rusher add intrigue to Detroit’s roster plans. For the Vikings, optimism surrounds J.J. McCarthy’s development, though Jordan Addison’s legal issues pose concerns. Dave also touched on Green Bay’s struggles, noting their loss of Jaire Alexander and battles at offensive line and secondary positions, which Foster gleefully supported: “Anything that results in the downfall of the Packers, I am a major proprietor of.”

The Bigger Picture: Fans vs. Owners

The collusion scandal and its muted coverage highlight a broader tension in the NFL: the balance between player earnings, team competitiveness, and fan accessibility. Dave emphasized the fan perspective, arguing that fully guaranteed contracts, while fair for players, could drive up ticket prices, making games unaffordable for families. “It should be kids growing up in the valley that should be able to go to games,” he said, recalling affordable outings from his childhood. Pay countered that owners, with their “eight different private jets,” could absorb more financial risk, while Foster noted the NFL’s injury risks make guaranteed contracts a gamble compared to baseball’s uncapped spending.

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The episode’s discussion of training camp battles underscores the NFC North’s competitive spirit, with young talents like Trapilo, Ratledge, and Felton vying to prove themselves. These battles, combined with the collusion controversy, paint a picture of a division at a crossroads, balancing financial strategy with on-field ambition. As the Bears, Lions, Packers, and Vikings gear up for 2025, the ‘Who Will Be King’ podcast offers a front-row seat to the drama, from boardroom conspiracies to gridiron showdowns.

FAN WITH US!!!

Follow us on Twitter ✖️ for more updates… Pay @TheRealPayday, host of the Frustrated Chicago Sports Fans, June @asgjune & M Foster @Mbrfosterchild, hosts of the Bleachers To Speakers [Lions] podcast, and Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare, from @Vikings1stSKOL. This has been a joint podcast production partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN and Fans First Sports Network’s NFL feed @FFSN_NFL.

Question: Who Will Shape the NFC North’s Future?

What do you think: Will the NFL’s collusion scandal force changes in how teams like the Bears, Lions, Packers, and Vikings structure contracts, or will the status quo persist? Drop your thoughts in the comments and join the debate on who will claim the NFC North crown in 2025!