Three-quarters of our division is gearing up for mandatory minicamp, the only three days when every player under contract and/or willing to sign an injury waiver is required to participate in offseason activities. We'll have plenty of coverage throughout the week, including a stop at one of the three camps, but first I want to clarify what "mandatory" really means in the context of two important NFC North players.

As you know, Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte and Detroit Lions defensive end Cliff Avril have been named their teams' franchise players but haven't yet signed the tender. That means they are technically not under contract, by terms of the NFL's collective bargaining agreement, and thus are not required to participate.

They could do so by signing an injury waiver, but indications are that neither Forte nor Avril will be in attendance when on-field work begins Tuesday. All other players would face fines of up to $60,000 if they skip all three days of minicamp without an approved excuse.

I'll have a minicamp primer a bit later Monday, as well as the big reveal for my destination this week. (Remember, the Minnesota Vikings' minicamp is next week so I have no choice but to cross state lines Tuesday.)