We're Black and Blue All Over:

We've passed the midpoint of the NFL's three-day negotiating window for free agency, and we don't know much more than we did when it started. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the "league-wide expectation" is that the Miami Dolphins will wind up with receiver Mike Wallace, but otherwise it has been quiet.

So as you await Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET start to actual free agency, go ahead and take a moment to read this revealing profile of new Chicago Bears coach Marc Trestman from Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune. The piece is centered around Trestman's candid analysis of why he didn't get a head-coaching job during his days as a hot assistant. Some bad timing was involved, but Trestman also acknowledged a "standoffish personality" that overlooked the human element of coaching.

Trestman said he has learned that he is coaching people, not pieces of a puzzle, and Pompei speaks to a number of people from Trestman's football past to check out that theory. Whether you're a fan of the Bears or just good writing, the story is worth your time.

Continuing around the NFC North:

• Bears general manager Phil Emery is keeping his offseason plans close to the vest, writes Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times.
• Here is an ESPNChicago.com Hot Button feature on whether the Bears should re-sign linebacker Brian Urlacher.
• Multiple teams are showing interest in Green Bay Packers linebacker Brad Jones, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
• Packers general manager Ted Thompson isn't likely to abandon his cost-conscious ways in free agency, writes Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
• The Packers made only cursory contact with the agent for defensive lineman Cullen Jenkins, according to Dougherty. Jenkins agreed Sunday with the New York Giants.
• The Minnesota Vikings would lean on Rhett Ellison as their fullback if Jerome Felton leaves in free agency, writes Tom Pelissero of 1500ESPN.com.
• It is "highly unlikely" that the Detroit Lions will have a contract extension worked out with quarterback Matthew Stafford by Tuesday, leaving his $20.8 million cap number on the books when free agency begins, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
• In the Free Press, Birkett breaks down the Lions' roster in terms of need.
• Justin Rogers of Mlive.com looks at free-agent tight ends from the Lions' perspective.