Frank Ragnow’s retirement shakes the Detroit Lions’ offensive line, while the Chicago Bears focus on Caleb Williams’ development and the Minnesota Vikings bank on J.J. McCarthy’s potential. In this episode of ‘Who Will Be King’ on the Fans First Sports Network, Pay from ‘Frustrated Chicago Sports Fans,’ June and Foster from ‘Bleachers to Speakers,’ and Dave from ‘Vikings 1st & SKOL’ dive into the latest NFC North news, OTA updates, and breakout candidates for 2025. From Chicago’s stadium woes to Detroit’s roster adjustments, this black-and-blue division is gearing up for a fierce battle for supremacy.

A Shocking Exit in Detroit: Frank Ragnow Retires

The NFC North was rocked this week by the unexpected retirement of Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow, a cornerstone of their offensive line and a four-time Pro Bowler. Ragnow, who started all 96 regular-season games and four playoff games over seven seasons, cited persistent injuries as the reason for his departure. His exit leaves a gaping hole in Detroit’s lineup and has sparked discussions about the Lions’ ability to maintain their status as division contenders.

June, from the Detroit Lions’ ‘Bleachers to Speakers’ podcast, wasn’t entirely surprised by the news. “Frank was a bunch of injuries that he was not a hundred percent any at any time last year,” he said. “Me and Foster had conversations that the Lions need to go into this next season looking for replacing Ragnow or getting an understudy. We knew that time was coming.”

Foster echoed this sentiment, noting the physical toll of Ragnow’s position. “He plays a more physical and grueling position. His was more due to his physical ailments,” he explained. Ragnow’s retirement frees up $9.25 million in cap space for 2025 and $12 million in 2026, giving the Lions flexibility to address the void. Fans and analysts alike have praised Ragnow’s durability and leadership, with some even calling for his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

“Reactions seem to be gold jacket and the greatest,” Foster said, acknowledging the sentiment but tempering expectations. “I don’t know if it’s to that level, but the reactions show how much he meant to Detroit.”

Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson’s Tough Love

In Chicago, the Bears are in the midst of a transformative offseason, with second-year quarterback Caleb Williams at the center of attention. Under the guidance of new head coach Ben Johnson, formerly of the Lions, the Bears are installing a high-energy, disciplined approach to their offense. Pay, from the ‘Frustrated Chicago Sports Fans’ podcast, highlighted Johnson’s no-nonsense style during OTAs.

“Ben Johnson is testing Williams,” Pay said. “He’s bursting into team meeting rooms and giving pop quizzes. Great players wanna be coached hard, and Ben’s getting these guys ready for day one.”

Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has shown flashes of brilliance but also the expected growing pains of a young quarterback adapting to the NFL. “He’s had some great passes, and the defense has got the best of him at some point,” Pay noted. “That’s not unexpected at every mini camp from every offense.”

The Bears’ offensive line, ranked No. 1 in the division by a recent online poll, is also a focal point. Despite missing key players like left tackle Braxton Jones and second-round pick Luther Burden due to injuries, Pay believes the unit’s depth and talent, led by Joe Thuney, give Chicago an edge. However, a competition for the backup left tackle spot between Kiran Amegadjie and rookie Ozzy Trapilo is heating up, with Johnson ensuring clarity in roles before training camp.

“Braxton Jones is expected to be the opening day starter,” Pay said. “Kiran Amegadjie is the number one guy up if there’s a delay in Jones’ recovery, but Trapilo could jump him on the depth chart.”

Off the field, the Bears face challenges with their proposed stadium in Arlington Heights. Legislative support for tax certainty fell through in Springfield, complicating negotiations with local taxing bodies. With their Soldier Field lease extending nine more years, Pay sees this as a long-term game. “It’s tricky right now,” he said. “The RTA’s [Regional Transportation Authority] three-quarter billion deficit takes precedence over what the Bears want.”

Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy and a New-Look Offensive Line

In Minnesota, the Vikings are buzzing with excitement over rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who has been turning heads during OTAs. Dave, from ‘Vikings 1st & SKOL,’ reported near-perfect attendance and participation, with McCarthy building chemistry with star wide receiver Justin Jefferson.

“J.J. McCarthy, all except for one day, is basically turning heads,” Dave said. “Kevin O’Connell is working his magic, and Brian Flores is shaping the defense.”

The Vikings’ offensive line, ranked No. 2 in the division, has undergone significant changes, with three new starters, including center Ryan Kelly, guard Will Fries, and left guard Donovan Jackson. Christian Darrisaw, one of the NFL’s top left tackles, anchors the unit, while Brian O’Neill holds down the right side. Dave is optimistic about the group’s potential, especially with Fries’ strong finish last season before his injury.

“Will Fries started out slow but came on like gangbusters,” Dave said. “Donovan Jackson is already named the starter, which is rare for a Vikings lineman.”

The Vikings also secured a multi-year extension for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, most likely aligning his tenure with head coach Kevin O’Connell. The earlier release of center Garrett Bradbury added $2.5 million in cap space as of June 2nd, providing further flexibility.

Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love and a Crowded Receiver Room

The Green Bay Packers, perennial NFC North contenders, are banking on quarterback Jordan Love to build on last season’s 11-6 record. However, Pay questioned Love’s role in that success. “He didn’t build the 11-6 season to begin with, so how do you build on top of something someone else built?” he quipped.

The Packers’ first-round pick, wide receiver Matthew Golden, has sparked debate about the team’s receiver hierarchy. With Christian Watson struggling with injuries and last year’s leading receiver expressing frustration over Golden’s arrival, the depth chart remains unsettled. “None of the holdovers are long for the team,” Pay predicted. “Golden could be the No. 1 for them, but not a traditional No. 1 as we see every Sunday.”

New offensive strategies under head coach Matt LaFleur and the integration of new assistants like DeMarcus Covington (defensive line) and Sean Manion (quarterbacks) aim to keep Green Bay competitive. However, their offensive line, ranked last in the division, remains a concern.

Second-Year Breakout Candidates: Who’s Next?

Each team in the NFC North has second-year players poised for breakout seasons in 2025. For the Bears, Pay highlighted wide receiver Rome Odunze, the No. 9 overall pick in 2024, who has impressed Johnson with his professionalism and playmaking. “He’s making great catches so far in mini camps,” Pay said. “He’s my sophomore breakout rep.”

In Detroit, Foster pointed to guard Christian Mahogany, cornerback Ennis Rakestraw, and defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo as potential difference-makers. “Mahogany’s gonna be taking over left guard, and with Ragnow’s retirement, it’s even more imperative,” Foster said. “Rakestraw missed most of last year, but there’s optimism he can round into a CB1.”

For the Vikings, edge rusher Dallas Turner is a prime candidate, with Dave projecting 600-700 snaps and potential double-digit sacks. “He’s being groomed for the [Andrew] Van Ginkel role,” Dave noted. Undrafted edge rusher Gabe Murphy could also surprise, despite his physical limitations.

The Packers’ second-year hopefuls include offensive lineman Jordan Morgan, linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, running back MarShawn Lloyd, and safety Evan Williams. “If Edgerrin Cooper steps up, it’s gonna be a problem for the whole division,” Dave warned.

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The Battle for NFC North Supremacy

As the NFC North prepares for the 2025 season, the division remains a battleground of talent, coaching, and resilience. Detroit must navigate life without Ragnow, leaning on veterans like Graham Glasgow and rookies like Tate Ratledge to stabilize the line. Chicago’s hopes rest on Williams’ growth under Johnson’s demanding leadership, while Minnesota’s revamped offensive line and McCarthy’s promise signal a new era. Green Bay, despite uncertainties, remains a threat with LaFleur’s schemes and young talent.

Pay summed up the division’s competitive spirit: “As a member of the best division in football, let’s show ‘em how it’s done. Keep the main thing the main thing—focused on getting to the show after Labor Day.”

With training camps looming, the NFC North’s black-and-blue legacy is alive and well. Who will be king? The saga continues.

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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.