NFL Notes: Jameis Winston, 49ers, Cowboys, & Jets

Jameis Winston

Florida State QB Jameis Winston is still deciding whether or not he should throw at this year’s Scouting Combine, according to his QBs coach George Whitfield Jr.

“It’s a game-time decision,” Whitfield Jr. tells Jim Corbett of USA TODAY. “He’s a very big believer in himself, so it’ll be interesting. He’s prepared to do it. Whether he goes in and does it will probably be determined a couple of days from now.

“At this time, he hasn’t made a decision.’‘

49ers

Albert Breer reports that Adam Gase wanted to keep Vic Fangio in place as the 49ers defensive coordinator job had he been hired as the team’s head coach.

According to Breer, his back up option was to hire Bengals DBs coach Vance Joseph if he couldn’t keep Fangio on his staff.

Breer adds that there was a chance that Fangio would’ve left any way.

This comes after a report said that the 49ers forced Gase to hire Jim Tomsula as his defensive coordinator, but after he resisted, San Francisco moved on from him and instead hired Tomsula as their new head coach.

Cowboys

• Todd Archer writes that it’s conceivable the Cowboys could end up using their franchise tag on WR Dez Bryant in the coming weeks and again next season if they are unable to reach an agreement on a long-term deal.
• Archer stresses that cap space will not be an issue for the Cowboys in free agency.

Jets

Rich Cimini of ESPN takes a look at the Jets’ options when it comes to finding an upgrade at quarterback this year.

According to Cimini, guys like Ryan Mallett, Brian Hoyer and Jake Locker could be among the most likely possibilities if the Jets were to look to the free agent market.

Trade options could include Buccaneers QB Mike Glennon, Texans QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, and Rams QB Sam Bradford. Although, Cimini admits the idea of them acquiring Bradford would be a “long shot.“

The draft is their other avenue to finding a quarterback, but Cimini writes that new GM Mike Maccagnan may not want to rely solely on targeting either Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota in round one.