NFC Notes: 49ers, Eagles, Giants

49ers

When the 49ers traded for WR Emmanuel Sanders during the middle of last season, they got a crafty veteran who was a complete receiver and able to threaten anywhere on the field. Sanders also boosted the entire 49ers receiving corps with his leadership. By trading up for first-round WR Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan thinks they’ve found a similar player, not only in talent but from an intangibles standpoint as well. 

“It didn’t matter where you put him and it didn’t matter what the play was, and that’s what we got a little bit with Emmanuel when we traded for him, and that’s what I think we’re getting with Brandon,” Shanahan said via ESPN’s Nick Wagoner. “This guy wants to be great. I want someone like that. And I think he has the tools to be great. I think he has the mindset to be great, and I promise you schematically we’re going to give him every chance to do that.”

• Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer writes that a holdout is one of the few ways 49ers TE George Kittle can exert leverage in his negotiations, but the new CBA makes holdouts difficult. 

Eagles

• Eliot Shorr-Parks of 94 WIP writes that free agent RB Devonta Freeman “seems to be the fit” alongside of Miles Sanders and Boston Scott, considering that he would give them a good combination of versatility and experience.
• Beyond that, Shorr-Parks says Freeman could also step up and be a top back should someone like Sanders get injured.
• The Eagles have around $24 million of available cap space to work. Freeman has made it clear that he’s looking for a better deal than the one-year, $2.75 million contract Carlos Hyde signed with the Seahawks that can increase to $4 million with incentives.

Giants

• Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post reports that the Giants are not actively shopping or showing any interest in adding a top-tier cornerback after CB DeAndre Baker‘s arrest and ongoing legal situation. 
• Baker’s attorney, Patrick Patel, “strongly believes” the charges will be dropped against his client and “trusts the evidence” they’ve gathered. 
• Patel pointed out that the recanted witness statement will show Baker does not warrant a suspension under the NFL personal conduct policy that permits discipline regardless of legal findings.
• Dunleavy, citing sources, also reports that it’s “unlikely” the Giants are currently waiting out the free-agent market to drive down potential asking prices. Dunleavy believes it’s possible for the Giants to sign a second-tier free agent between now and training camp for depth purposes. 
• Some notable free-agent cornerbacks include Dre Kirkpatrick, Darqueze Dennard, Logan Ryan, Brandon Carr, and Tramon Williams.