NFC Notes: Cowboys, Lions, Seahawks

Cowboys

Cowboys veteran TE Jason Witten said he understands if the team uses a high pick on a tight end this year.

“I mean, I understand it,” Witten said, via Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News. “It’s happened a few times, three to be exact. That’s part of the business. They’re always going to bring in competition. That’s what this program, that’s what this franchise is all about and what this coaching staff tries to create.

“I’ll help them and embrace them and moving them along as quickly as I can. That doesn’t really affect what I’m trying to do as a whole.”

Lions

Lions GM Bob Quinn admitted that the signing RB LeGarrette Blount could impact their decision in drafting a running back, but did not rule out selecting one during the mid-rounds.

“It could impact it a little bit,” said Quinn, via Kyle Meinke of MLive. “I mean, I think if we had to go play a football game today, I think we have enough running backs to be competitive. Now is that saying I’m not going to take one? I don’t know. Tell me who’s going to be on the board in the second, third, fourth round. I mean, I don’t know.”

Seahawks

• Seahawks GM John Schneider does not expect FS Earl Thomas to hold out for a new contract this offseason and has been assured by Thomas and his representation that he will not: “No, I don’t. I don’t. He has not said he would hold out. His representatives told me that.’’ (Bob Condotta)
• Schneider added that he has not spoken with Thomas’ agents about a new contract since the NFL Combine and that Thomas is aware of where Seattle stands in negotiations at this point in time: “They know where we are at… Nothing has changed since then.“
• Seahawks SS Bradley McDougald mentioned that it is his understanding that Thomas will be back for the 2018 season: “As far as I know, yeah, Earl is going to be (there). It’s going to be BM30 and ET29.”
• Regarding whether the team asked free agent QB Colin Kaepernick about kneeling in protest during the National Anthem during his visit, Schneider declined to comment about what they ask players during the interview process: “That’s what I can’t get into. That’s stuff that, not just Colin but anybody we are bringing in, whether it’s a free agent workout we are talking about… so obviously it’s pretty controversial, I understand that. But anyone we would bring in there are a number of things we go through, tons of different categories in the background before we bring guys in.’’