NFC Notes: Cowboys, Giants, Panthers, Vikings

Cowboys

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told reporters on Tuesday that HC Jason Garrett is not on the hot seat.

“It’s fair for you to ask, but he’s not on my hot seat,” Jones said, via the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

• Jones said he expects WR Dez Bryant to be back with the team next year, despite the recent speculation that he could be asked to a pay cut. (Drew Davison)
• Cowboys executive Stephen Jones mentioned that they want “more” for what they’re paying WR Dez Bryant, but offense’s lack of production does not rest solely on him: “When you look at last year you want more for what you’re paying but that’s not all on Dez. That’s on everybody.”
• When asked if Bryant will be approached about a possible pay cut, Jones simply responded: “He’s under contract.”
• Jerry Jones said ST assistant coach Keith O’Quinn is a candidate to be the team’s new special teams coordinator. (Brandon George)
• Stephen Jones added that Cowboys LT Tyron Smith does not require offseason surgery. (Brandon George)

Giants

• Ralph Vacchiano, citing sources familiar with the Giants’ plan this offseason is to sign offensive linemen and continue building around QB Eli Manning.
• According to Vacchiano, the Giants want to continue playing Manning while they groom his successor at quarterback, whether that is third-round QB Davis Webb or possibly the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
• Mike Klis reports that former Broncos WR Tyke Tolbert will be the new WRs coach for the Giants.

Panthers

Panthers new OC Norv Turner mentioned that he plans to continue utilizing QB Cam Newton‘s running ability.

“He’s incredible as a runner. He’s just an amazing player at that position,” Turner said, via Panthers.com. “Defenses, they’re really bothered by that. He’s always got to have that as part of his game. He’s always got to have the threat to run. Depending on who we’re playing, how we’re playing and things that are going, I think it’s always going to be a part of what we do.”

• The Panthers announced that Newton suffered ligament and cartilage damage in his knee during the team’s Wild Card loss to the Saints.

Vikings

• Vikings HC Mike Zimmer said C Pat Elflein will require surgery on his left ankle. (Chris Tomasson)
• Zimmer mentioned that he expects the rest of coaching staff to “stay the same” after the departure of former OC and new Giants HC Pat Shurmur. (Chris Tomasson)
• Regarding hiring a new offensive coordinator, Zimmer said he is going to “take [his] time” and find the right candidate: “I’m going to take my time and make sure we get the right thing.” (Vikings’ official site)
• Zimmer believes that Vikings QB Sam Bradford is past his knee injury issues. (Chris Tomasson)