NFC Notes: Cardinals, 49ers, Seahawks

Cardinals

• Per the Athletic’s Mike Sando, a poll of NFL evaluators was ready to highlight Cardinals QB Kyler Murray as a Tier 3 quarterback after just his rookie season: “I think the kid is going to be really good. He knows when to run, he knows when to pass, he does not turn the ball over much and that little joker can throw. They are going to be better. I’m not ready to give the kid Tier 2 yet, but I think he is a legitimate starter and he will jump fast.”

49ers

• Per the Athletic’s Mike Sando, NFL evaluators saw QB Jimmy Garoppolo mostly as a Tier 3 quarterback and his composite grade ranked 17th in the league. 
• One rival NFC West coach echoed the major question with Garoppolo of whether or not he could succeed outside of structure: “Can he strap it on his back and win it if he has to? I don’t know if he is that, either. They had such a dynamic run game, he kind of hid in behind that. I think he’s a three and he’s gotta prove it. Last year was his first full year of doing it. That is a good start.”
• Former NFL GM Mike Tannenbaum thinks 49ers TE George Kittle could be an example of players “holding in” instead of holding out. Because of the new CBA rules, Kittle could report to the team on time but refuse to practice without a contract, per Tannenbaum. 
• 49ers GM John Lynch disputed a report they were one of the final teams involved with the Jets in trade talks for S Jamal Adams: “Totally inaccurate. We did not ever make a call about the player.” (Matt Maiocco)
• In another interview, Lynch said there’s been good communication with Kittle camp and they expect the tight end to report to camp on time. They’ve traded contract proposals so far: “It would be silly not to figure that out, and we’ll do our best to do just that.” (Maiocco)
• Lynch acknowledged it’s a tricky deal given the NFL’s financial situation and the market dynamics at tight end, but he’s optimistic they can work something out: “I knew it might be tricky because of the position he plays & finding the right number. People should be encouraged we’ve had tremendous talks with his representative and we work real well together.” (Cam Inman)
• Lynch did not want to put a timeline on the deal, though: “I can tell you we’re working in earnest because it’s very important to us.” (Matt Barrows)
• Regarding 49ers RB Raheem Mostert‘s contract and trade kerfuffle, Lynch admitted he was perplexed: “My reaction is what the heck are you doing? Come on, now. I was not happy. Now, I love Raheem and I love his family. … The good news is he’s all taken care of, he’s happy and we look forward to seeing him soon.” (Inman)
• Per Lynch, 49ers WR Deebo Samuel could miss some time at the beginning of the year as he works back from a broken foot: “It’s fair to say he might miss some games at the beginning of the year.” (Barrows)
• Lynch hinted he might be nearing a contract extension with the 49ers: “I think there’s some good news on the horizon here.” (Eric Branch) 

Seahawks

Seahawks HC Pete Carroll is excited about the opportunity to work with S Jamal Adams, nothing that GM John Schneider took advantage of an “extraordinary opportunity” and noted that it is “it’s hard for teams to make a big move” such as the trade for Adams.

“John did an incredible job, and I think this is another statement for John Schneider, man,” Carroll said, via ProFootballTalk. “He has done such a remarkable job for so many years. He’s got the chutzpah to go for it, and he did it again. And I’m just — we’re all fired up about it and looking forward to Jamal coming to our club.”