NFC Notes: 49ers, Cowboys, Redskins

49ers

• Per NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco, the only real decision the 49ers need to make at linebacker this offseason is on restricted free agent Elijah Lee, whom he expects them to bring back. 

Cowboys

• When examining the Cowboys’ offensive line, Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News mentions Jets G Alex Lewis, Rams C Coleman Shelton, and Patriots C James Ferentz as three possible free agents to watch for Dallas.  
• As for linemen in the 2020 NFL Draft, Watkins’ three prospects to watch are Alabama OT Jedrick Wills Jr., Georgia OT Andrew Thomas, and Iowa LT Tristan Wirfs.
• Michael Gehlken notes that the Cowboys now have extra time to negotiate a long term extension for QB Dak Prescott and WR Amari Cooper prior to making a decision on a tag designation for either player given the NFL pushed back the close of the tag deadline two days to March 12. 

Redskins

Redskins executive Doug Williams said their staff was encouraged with how Dwayne Haskins played in Week 16 against the Giants prior to sustaining an ankle injury. 

“The way he was playing that last game is the way we want to see Dwayne Haskins play this game because he has talent. He hurt his ankle… but had thrown two TD passes, was like 12 of 15, and it gave you some hope that this is where he’ll start off,” said Williams, via SiriusXM NFL Radio. 

Williams added that veteran QB Alex Smith has been mentoring Haskins. 

“…When he was able to come back and stand up, go to meetings, and workout; he’s been in Dwayne’s ear. I saw Patrick Mahomes talk about him all the time and I can see it translating in Dwayne,” said Williams.

As for Smith (leg) playing again, Williams said the veteran is preparing like he’s going to play next season and the Redskins plan on supporting him.

“I won’t count him out. It’s hard to believe, but when you watch him every day in the weight room and what he’s doing; you said it yourself, ‘Wow, how is he doing that?’ So, I think in his mind, he’s going to play and we’ll go along with him until he says, ‘I can’t do it,’” said Williams.