NFC Notes: Buccaneers, Cowboys, Packers

Buccaneers

During Jason Pierre-Paul‘s introductory press conference, Buccaneers GM Jason Licht mentioned that trade talks involving Pierre-Paul stretched back to the combine, per Jordan Raanan.

“It’s one thing that’s been on our mind a lot, what we’re looking for as a quality in a player, and Jason defines resiliency,” Licht said, via ESPN.com. “To come back from what he did, it’s one of the things — it’s the main thing — that made him a big draw for us, why we would go after him.”

Cowboys

• Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports that executives from other teams are monitoring the Cowboys and WR Dez Bryant to see if they end up releasing him now that they’ve bolstered their receiving corps with the additions of Allen Hurns and Deonte Thompson this week.
• According to Florio, it’s still possible the Cowboys will agree to a restructured contract with Bryant that will lower his salary from the $12.5 million he’s set to make and in turn Bryant would get the 2019 season of his contract eliminated, allowing him to become a free agent next year.
• Yesterday, Clarence Hill of the Star-Telegram, the Cowboys decision to sign Hurns to a two-year contract on Friday has “no impact” on Bryant’s status with the team.

Packers

New Packers QB DeShone Kizer said Friday that he was “very surprised” by the news he was traded to Green Bay last week.

“Very surprised,” said Kizer, via Packers.com. “When stuff like this happens, you really can’t be prepared for it. The only thing I really know is the situation I had in Cleveland but, obviously, very excited now. Looking back at it, I think it’s going to be an awesome opportunity to take a step back and learn from some great developers of the game and be around some great competitors and get back to winning the way I know how to.”

Kizer added that he believes he’s throwing better now than he ever has after working with throwing coach, Tom House.

“After going through the season we went through last year and having some accuracy things in college, I think I found my stroke,” said Kizer. “I feel like I’m throwing the ball the best I’ve ever thrown it right now, and now walking into a system that has been very quarterback friendly through the history of their organization, I think I’ll be able to go out and hopefully step up my game to another level and be able to become a more accurate passer.”