NFC Notes: 49ers, Rams, Seahawks

49ers

49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo said during an appearance on 95.7 The Game in San Francisco that he’s excited to get to work with WR Jalen Hurd, who has dealt with injuries in his first two seasons in the NFL.

Jay’s come a long way. He really has in his route running, just developing his body and becoming a pro,” Garoppolo said, via Niners Wire. “I mean, the guy does it the right way. I’m dying to get him out there right now, I really am. He’s such a physical freak, just the things he can do in his route running, with the ball in his hands, it’s very impressive. So, hopefully we’ll get to put those on display and get him out there as soon as possible.” 

  • NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco is certain the 49ers were interested in WR Julio Jones but is unsure if a concrete offer was ever made. 
  • 49ers’ HC Kyle Shanahan says it “would’ve been a hell of a deal” but said of the trade to the Titans: “I’m very glad he’s in the AFC.” (Maiocco)

Rams

Rams P Johnny Hekker has been one of the NFL’s best punters for a long time. He was named to the 2010s All-Decade team and he’s a massive fan favorite in Los Angeles. Nothing lasts forever, though. Hekker is still punting at a high level, but he’s well aware his $3.75 million salary is high for his position and the Rams signed two punters this offseason, including former Bills starter Corey Bojorquez

“When push comes to shove, they have to make the best decisions for this roster,” Hekker said via Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times. “And there’s no running around the financial aspect of it. So, you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do to put together the best roster that you can.”

Another layer to the situation is that Hekker averaged a career-low 45.6 yards per punt in 2020 (21st in the NFL, Bojorquez was first at 50.8 yards per punt) and is looking to rebound in 2021. 

“I definitely did not perform to the best of my abilities,” Hekker said. “There were a few games that I really, I don’t know, just kind of got just maybe ahead of myself mentally. . . . There were definitely some kicks out there that I would have liked to have seen go better for the team. When I don’t put our team in good positions, that’s the stuff that really bugs me.”

Seahawks

  • According to ESPN’s Brady Henderson, the Seahawks did their due diligence on WR Julio Jones, but it was considered a long shot they would have pulled it off.
  • Henderson also mentions that Jones’ contract was a big deal in the eyes of the Seahawks. They did not want to restructure any contracts to free up cap room, which could have been for QB Russell Wilson and LB Bobby Wagner.
  • Wilson is on his way to Seattle ready to report to OTAs tomorrow. (Jake Heaps)

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