NFC Notes: 49ers, Cardinals, Lions

49ers

49ers GM John Lynch told reporters that they’ve been in contract talks with some pending free agents.

Lynch stressed that they’re “high on” S Eric Reid, who will be a free agent after this season.

“In Eric’s situation, it was a new system and then he got hurt,” Lynch said, via Cam Inman of the Mercury News. “Other guys are playing well at that position, but Eric is a guy we’re high on. That’s what we wanted to do: create competition at each position and we have that at safety. When Eric comes back, he’ll get to go play.”

Lynch also praised RB Carlos Hyde for the job he’s done for them this year.

“He got lighter and in much better shape,” Hyde said. “It’s showing. It’s paying dividends on the field. So we’re thrilled with the way he’s playing. He’s got to continue to do it.”

Cardinals

Cardinals QB Carson Palmer made it clear that the loss of RB David Johnson can’t be overstated.

“Where don’t we miss David?” Carson Palmer said, via ESPN.com. “Nowhere in particular. Everywhere.

“From the week preparing to play against us when you’ve got to get your defensive guys in the mindset that you’ve got to stop him, to the passing game, the running game, red zone and third down. He was such a big part of our red zone package. He was the focus of our red zone package and such a big part of our third-down stuff. Not just third-and-2 to -3, but third-and-7 to -10 and third-and-4 to -6. He was such a big part of it. When you lose him, I can’t put my finger on one spot.”

Arizona is last in the NFL with 2.65 yards per carry this season, which offensive coordinator Harold Goodwin referred to as “unacceptable.”

“Being where we are in rushing in the league is unacceptable,” Goodwin said.

Lions

• While Lions GM Bob Quinn has been active in the trade market since taking over, Michael Rothstein isn’t sure he would trade TE Eric Ebron given that it’s still early in the season and his role could expand in the team’s offense once LT Taylor Decker returns from injury.
• Unless Ebron turns things around and performs well for the team in the remainder of the season, Rothstein says he could be an intriguing decision for Quinn and the Lions next year.
• Rothstein can’t see the Lions trading for Buccaneers RB Doug Martin, given that they’ve shown a preference for running backs with receiving ability and Martin has had 30-plus catches in a season just twice in his career. Beyond that, the Lions still believe in Ameer Abdullah and there’s no guarantee the Buccaneers would even want to trade Martin at this point.