We're Black and Blue All Over:
The Chicago Bears were rumored to be considering a run at free agent defensive end Mario Williams. They ultimately pushed hard to sign free agent Jeremy Mincey, who returned to the Jacksonville Jaguars. So on Thursday evening, they agreed to terms with incumbent Israel Idonije on a one-year deal.
The question is whether the Bears intend for Idonije to resume his full-time role, or if their pursuit of Mincey (and possibly others) indicate they will continue searching for another starting option. The Bears don't have much depth at the position, which is why they were forced to play Idonije -- a longtime reserve/swing lineman -- on 84.4 percent of their defensive spans last season.
Continuing around the NFC North:
The Bears don't know if the NFL will suspend receiver Brandon Marshall because of an incident that occurred Sunday morning in New York City, according to the Associated Press via the Chicago Sun-Times.
Marshall has an important first impression to make during a Friday news conference, writes Mike Mulligan of the Chicago Tribune. Mulligan: "Here’s hoping the Bears aren’t tone deaf on this one. Has anyone been diagnosed with a disorder that contributes to a man beating a woman? Does Marshall feel genuine remorse over his checkered past, and will he express it Friday?"
The Detroit Lions re-signed safety Erik Coleman to a one-year contract, notes Anwar S. Richardson of Mlive.com.
Chris McCosky of the Detroit News wonders if the Lions are planning to move on from left tackle Jeff Backus.
Receiver/returner Ted Ginn Jr. left a visit Thursday without signing a contract, reports Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
There is no word on any progress for the Lions to re-sign middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch, reports Birkett.
The Green Bay Packers have expressed interest in Miami Dolphins defensive end Kendall Langford, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette checks in on the status of Packers free agent center Scott Wells, who visited the St. Louis Rams on Thursday.
Packers free agent quarterback Matt Flynn visited the Seattle Seahawks and will visit the Miami Dolphins next, notes Jason Wilde of ESPNMilwaukee.com.
Offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz, who is visiting the Lions this week, is also scheduled to visit the Minnesota Vikings on Monday, according to Aaron Wilson of Scout.com.
The Vikings' stadium bill stalled this week, and Frederick Melo of the St. Paul Pioneer Press explains the situation.
Stadium supporters are disappointed at the lack of participation from House Speaker Kurt Zellers on the issue, according to the Star Tribune.