NFC Notes: Cardinals, 49ers, Rams, Seahawks

49ers

• Matt Barrows of The Athletic points out that the 49ers must decide whether to pick up half of veteran K Robbie Gould‘s $4.5 million salary for 2021 by Week 16. Barrows believes they should pick up the option if the organization still feels they are contenders. 
• Barrows thinks the 49ers should cut DE Dee Ford this offseason given the organization will be on the hook for $11.6 million of his salary if he’s unable to pass a physical by April 1.  
• Barrows also points out that former Falcons HC Dan Quinn would be the “most natural replacement” for Robert Saleh given he ran a similar defense with Atlanta and the Seahawks. 
• With San Francisco currently set to be No. 16 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Barrows says that it is “highly unlikely” that they trade up into the top-five for a quarterback given it would likely cost a first-, second-, and fourth-round picks. However, should the 49ers fall into the top-10 of the draft, Barrows writes that a trade-up scenario would not be “entirely out of the question.” 
• According to NJ.com’s Mike Kaye, the Vikings and 49ers also put in waiver claims for Broncos S Will Parks, recently claimed from the Eagles.   

Cardinals

• Cardinals HC Kliff Kingsbury said they have relocated the quarterback’s meeting room into the team’s meeting room, which is significantly larger in order to allow players to more socially distance and study film. (Josh Weinfuss)

Rams

Rams QB Jared Goff is not taking HC Sean McVay‘s public criticisms personally after the coach said Goff must “take better care of the football.” 

“If he was lying I’d feel differently about it — he’s absolutely right,” Goff said, via Lindsey Thiry of ESPN. “I’m a big boy, I can handle it.”

Goff reiterated that he has a good relationship with McVay and is able to take criticism. 

“We have a great relationship and I’m accountable for myself,” said Goff.

Goff feels that he has done well with limiting turnovers so far in his career and will get back to his efficient ways. 

“I need to be better than that, I need to take care of the football and he’s absolutely right, and I will,” said Goff. “I have done that for the majority of my football career and will continue to take care of the football better.”

• McVay said DT Sebastian Joseph-Day is dealing with a hip injury that limited him in Wednesday’s practice. (Jourdan Rodrigue)
• McVay added that Rams C Brian Allen (knee) is still out with his injury. 
• McVay regrets that they decided to cancel last Friday’s practice prior to Week 12 against the 49ers. He mentioned COVID-19 precautions, high winds, and wanting to rest players factored into their decision: “I did our guys a disservice.” (Lindsey Thiry)

Seahawks

Seahawks HC Pete Carroll said veteran DE Carlos Dunlap is dealing with a foot injury but it is not considered serious and he is hopeful Dunlap plays in Week 13. 

“Has a little something going on, but nothing serious,” said Carroll, via John Boyle. “But we’re hopeful and he’s hopeful he’ll be able to play.”

Carroll added that he’s still uncertain about Dunlap’s status for Week 13 but mentioned that the lineman is only dealing with a “sore foot.” 

“I can’t tell you much yet, we won’t know for the next couple of days, but he’s just got a sore foot and we don’t think he’s going to miss because of that,” said Carroll, via Art Stapleton. 

• Carroll believes CB Quinton Dunbar (knee) will be able to return next week when eligible to be activated from injured reserve. (Curtis Crabtree)