A knee injury suffered in practice during the 2011 season could sideline James Carpenter for the 2012 season, too. But the Seahawks spent the offseason preparing for just such a scenario.

The Bears' offensive line has been a constant source of frustration for Jay Cutler. Now the signal-caller can only laugh when asked if the pass protection issues have been resolved.

After appearing in Super Bowl XLI, the Bears have failed to make the playoffs the past three seasons. For that to change, the defense has to play up to its capability.

Chicago has taken big strides this offseason to become a better team in 2010. But the Bears still have a lot of work to do in order to catch up with the Vikings and Packers.

NFL.com's Pat Kirwan draws up his draft board for every team in the NFC North. See the needs for the Bears, Lions, Packers and Vikings and find out what players they should target.

The release and signing of T.O. was the highlight of a busy first week of free agency, but there also were many other events that made the beginning of the 2009 business season a revealing one.

Despite finishing 11-5, the Patriots fell short of the playoffs. But that might just be the beginning of a decline in what could be a costly offseason in New England.