NFL Notes: Falcons, Lions, Ravens, Redskins

Falcons

• Vaughn McClure of ESPN writes that the Falcons’ cornerback depth could allow them to cut CB Jalen Collins following his recent 10-game suspension (NFLTR).
• McClure believes the best move for the Falcons is to move forward with C.J. Goodwin and Deji Olatoye as the backups to Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford and if they play well enough, Atlanta should be able to move forward without Collins.

Lions

Lions GM Bob Quinn mentioned during an interview with Sirius XM NFL Radio that there’s no deadline to complete an extension for QB Matthew Stafford.

“We have not set a deadline on Stafford contract,” Quinn said. “A lot of constructive conversations. I am confident we will get a deal done.”

Ravens

• Ravens HC John Harbaugh told reporters on Monday that new OT Austin Howard has yet to practice because he hasn’t been cleared by trainers. (Jamison Hensley)

Redskins

Redskins QB Kirk Cousins explained that he just “didn’t feel at peace” with signing a long-term extension this offseason.

“I didn’t feel at peace with signing a long-term deal at this juncture,” Cousins said, via Dan Graziano of ESPN.com. “I think the freedom that it allows on the other side of this season makes more sense. In the league, there’s so much change, so much turnover year after year, I think it makes a lot of sense to re-evaluate where we’re at, where the league’s at at the end of this season.

“A lot of it goes back to, these contracts are not baseball contracts; they’re not basketball contracts,” Cousins said. “As a result, you’re not really signing a five-year deal, you’re not really signing a six-year deal. You’re signing a two-year deal, and then there is an obligation for several years after that. And that just didn’t sit well with me, and I’m better off, if those are my options, I’m better off signing a one-year deal and then having freedom.”

Cousins could cash in big time next year as an unrestricted free agent, assuming the Redskins don’t franchise him for a third straight year. However, Cousins admits that he’s going to need to play well and there are other factors could impact his situation.

“I’ve got to play well,” Cousins said. “So I see it as, let’s go 16 games at a time and we’ll see where we are in January/February and go from there. It takes two sides, in the sense that you’re not going to effect any change unless the clubs are willing to do that. And it all comes down to the market. Markets change. What if Drew Brees is a free agent? What if Sam Bradford has a big-time year? What if Matt Stafford? You can just list guy after guy after guy — what if they suddenly blow up and play at a very high level and have a great year and stay healthy? The 16 games, as we know, tell the story. What if the market’s flooded? You never know.”