NFC Notes: 49ers, Giants, Vikings

49ers

While it never became more than a rumor, the 49ers were once seen as a potential landing spot for QB Tom Brady. That would have obviously pushed out 49ers starting QB Jimmy Garoppolo, who faces some questions about his long-term viability after San Francisco appeared to hide him during the playoffs and he had a crucial overthrow in the Super Bowl. However, 49ers TE George Kittle is firmly in Garoppolo’s corner. 

“It is what it is,” Kittle said on the PFT PM podcast per The Score. “People talk. There’s nothing else to talk about. It’s nothing that I took seriously. Jimmy G is my quarterback, and he’s one hell of a quarterback. We don’t get to the Super Bowl without him. So there’s no one that I’d replace him with. What he’s done for this team leadership-wise and on the field, he’s one of a kind.”

• NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco looks at a few defensive linemen who could be options for the 49ers in the later rounds, including Arkansas DT McTelvin Agim, South Carolina DE D.J. Wonnum and Weber State DL Jonah Williams. 

Giants

• SNY’s Ralph Vacchiano believes Gettleman, who has never traded back in a draft he’s run, would consider dropping a few spots from No. 4 overall but not out of the top 10. 
• Unless LB Markus Golden‘s asking price drops significantly, Vacchiano doesn’t anticipate the Giants bringing back the veteran pass rusher. 
• Vacchiano writes the Giants might be able to add a third-round pick by dropping back a spot or two with the Dolphins or Chargers. 
• Regarding Brown, Vacchiano thinks the Giants might prefer a defensive player who will have more of an immediate impact than adding another defensive tackle into their crowded rotation. 
• Vacchiano confirms the Giants are interested in Simmons despite there being no reported video interview yet. 

Vikings

• Ben Goessling reports that Oregon State guard Gus Lavaka could be a late-round target for the Vikings.
• Jordan Reid reports that La. Tech CB Amik Robertson has had virtual meetings with 19 teams including the Vikings.