NFC Notes: 49ers, Cardinals, Rams

49ers

49ers’ HC Kyle Shanahan is certainly concerned about which coaches will be departing with DC Robert Saleh at the end of this season, but he can also relate to the situation as he was once in the same position earlier in his career.

“I think there’s definitely a respect level and everyone does it differently,” Shanahan said, via Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. “It depends where you are. Before I thought about anything, I always went through Dan Quinn and asked him what he was OK with. I didn’t want people to hold me back when I had a chance to improve my career, a chance to help my family out and go forward. That’s why, if you have someone who’s getting a huge opportunity, that’s something that me, John, I know Jed, we always want to try to do what’s best for the organization, but we also want to help people out. So, we’ll look into anything, but I also know it’s once you’re a position coach, once you’re a coordinator, there are not many moves going up. So when it’s not that case, you’re never going to hurt the Niners just because someone’s excited for a change of scenery.”

• Cam Inman of MercuryNews.com believes that 49ers’ RB Jeff Wilson will find himself in the backfield with RB Raheem Mostert next season, despite being a restricted free agent. This is due to the fact that Wilson has proven himself worthy of a raise and the contracts of running backs Jerick McKinnon and Tevin Coleman are both currently set to expire.
• Albert Breer of SI says that while the team will likely explore their options, QB Jimmy Garoppolo will likely return as the 49ers’ starter next season as the organization believes they can win with him at the helm.
• Regarding 49ers DC Robert Saleh‘s potential staff when he’s hired by another organization as a head coach, Matt Barrows of The Athletic writes that it makes sense for Saleh to bring either 49ers’ offensive assistants Mike McDaniel or Mike LaFleur with him as an offensive coordinator. 
• In addition, Barrows mentions 49ers OL coach John Benton and assistant OL coach Chris Foerster as two more to keep an eye on. 
• As for Saleh’s potential GM candidates, Barrows names Colts’ assistant GM Ed Dodds, Seahawks’ executives Scott Fitterer and Trent Kirchner, and 49ers’ executive Adam Peters as three people Saleh is connected to. 

Cardinals

Cardinals DC Vance Joseph called second-year CB Byron Murphy arguably the team’s “most consistent” cornerback this season and believes the playing time he received as a rookie is paying off. 

“Murphy’s played very well. I mean, you can argue that he’s been our most consistent corner the entire season,” Joseph said, via Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic.  “Last year he played a bunch of snaps as a rookie before he was ready to play, so he took some bruises. But I think that’s definitely paying off now.”

Joseph added that Murphy is becoming a “confident” player and has experience in the slot, nickel, and outside corner roles. 

“He’s played slot corner, nickel corner, he’s also played outside. Murph’s making plays and he’s consistently been a good player for us each and every week. That’s fun to watch. He’s so comfortable in his role. He’s confident. He’s tackling, he’s making plays on the ball and he’s helping us win each week.”

• Cardinals’ impending free-agent LB Haason Reddick said he’s unsure of what to expect with his contract expiring but would like to re-sign with Arizona. (Darren Urban)
• The Arizona Cardinals are bringing in former Eagles’ DE Shareef Miller for a tryout this week, according to Albert Breer.

Rams

Rams HC Sean McVay said impending free-agent OLB Leonard Floyd is “doing right by his family,” meaning he’s in for a big payday this offseason. 

“Leonard Floyd sets the tone every single day for that outside linebacker group,” said McVay, via Jourdan Rodrigue. “[He is] doing right by his family, too.”

When asked if the Rams would like to re-sign Floyd this offseason, McVay confirmed an extension is “definitely” something they will discuss. 

“Yes. We would like to…those are definitely things we will visit. Our focus is on (this week), but I think the answer is absolutely yes,” said McVay, via Rodrigue.

• A Rams’ spokesperson indicated that OLB Leonard Floyd was taken to a local hospital due to abdominal pain but it was considered a precautionary measure. Floyd is officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. (Lindsey Thiry)