NFC Notes: 49ers, Panthers, Seahawks

49ers

Per Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle, 49ers’ GM John Lynch says DE Dee Ford might not be ready for the start of next season. Ford battled a back injury all year and played sparingly.

“I can’t tell you with great (certainty) that, yeah, he’s going to be ready for 2021,” Lynch said. “We’re working hard — and he is working hard — to try to get there. When you’re dealing with a part of your body — the back — sometimes these things take more time. I think Dee tries to stay encouraged. But I think it’s been a struggle for him. And we try to stay encouraged as well.”

• Lynch assumes the salary cap will have a floor of $175 million and will consider any additional money a bonus. (Nick Wagoner)
• 49ers’ HC Kyle Shanahan says that the team’s new defensive coordinator will not be limited to running a 4-3 scheme. (Branch)
• Shanahan will “absolutely” consider LB coach DeMeco Ryans as a candidate to replace departing DC Robert Saleh and wishes Saleh luck on his upcoming journey to find a head coaching job: “Saleh will go kill these interviews and do a great job. I wish him the best of luck in all this.” (Cam Inman)
• Shanahan added praise for Ryans and noted it wouldn’t be long before he became a coordinator and head coach in the NFL: “It’s a matter of time before DeMeco is a coordinator in this league, a matter of time before he’s a head coach.” (Matt Barrows)
• If Saleh takes a head coaching job, he’s expected to bring 49ers passing game coordinator Mike LaFleur with him as an offensive coordinator. (Michael Silver)
• 49ers run game coordinator Mike McDaniel is also on Falcons interim HC Raheem Morris‘ prospective staff list as an offensive coordinator. 
• Shanahan mentions that the team will look more closely at quarterbacks this offseason since Jimmy Garoppolo is the only one they have under contract for next season: “We have a starting quarterback, but in order to know where these guys are going to be, we’ve got to get either resign the guys we’ve got or see if we can upgrade them through the draft or free agency. In order to do that, you have to evaluate everything.” (Barrows)

• Per ESPN’s Omar Ruiz, Seahawks HC Pete Carroll said S Jamal Adams will likely end up being a game-time decision. He’ll work with his shoulder all the way through the week to see what he can do. 
• Carroll noted Seahawks DT Jarran Reed will be day-to-day with his oblique strain: “He’s much better than he was on the weekend so there’s cause for optimism there.” (Curtis Crabtree)