NFC North Daily: Hot Breakfast Links for July 16, 2012

Training camp is almost here. The biggest question facing at least two teams—the Bears and Lions—is whether they will have their two tagged players in camp.

The deadline to sign tendered players to a long-term deal is Monday at 4 p.m. ET.

I'll be honest—I don't hold out a ton of hope on either end. If it was going to happen, it probably would have. Deadlines are funny things, though, and players sometimes buckle at the last minute if the offer they are looking at is fair, even if below what they want.

You know when it happens, we'll be here.

Before I jump in, if you don't know, I used to work in Hollywood in animation. So I used to HAVE to go to San Diego Comic-Con every year. I haven't missed it—it's crowded, hard to see anything you want to and expensive.

I was bummed this year, as they turned the baseball stadium next door into an outdoor zombie survival maze, and they premiered the season three trailer for The Walking Dead.

It's pretty badass, so I am sharing it.

Why?

Well, why not? Ummmm, ZOMBIES. Duh.

On to all the news that is fit to link!

Chicago Bears

John Clayton gives SportsCenter his take on the Matt Forte negotiations (video).

ESPN Chicago's Jeff Dickerson weighs in as well (video).

Aaaaand Sean Jensen also adds his thoughts to the debate.

Finally, B/R writer Will Grant riffs off the Bears video the boys and I did last week and breaks down how the team might reach a 12-4 season.

Detroit Lions

Justin Rogers talks motivation for the Lions this coming season.

Brandon Burnett analyzes the chances that the Lions and Avril get a deal done.

Green Bay Packers

CHTV and B/R writer Zach Kruse takes a look at how the Packers fare in Pro Football Focus' three-year stats. 

In the time I have done this blog, I have seen Tyler Dunne's name next to some of the deeper stuff I read on a weekly basis. This week, it's the tale of former Packer CB Craig Newsome, who battles back pain and an addiction to painkillers. Tremendous piece—read it.

Minnesota Vikings

Sid Hartman says the players acquired in the 2012 NFL draft will make the team better, maybe this season. 

Tom Pelissero reports that linebacker Jasper Brinkley has said he's 100 percent healthy and ready to go. 

Like these stories? Follow the linked writers on Twitter!

@claytonespn, @Sean_Jensen, @ESPNChiBears, @Fbgwill, @Justin_Rogers, @B_Burnett49, @zachkruse2, @tydunne, @SidHartman, @tompelissero 

Check out the B/R NFC North Facebook page—like us and keep up with everything NFC North on Bleacher Report! Follow me on Twitter at @andrew_garda.