NFC Notes: Cardinals, Falcons, Rams, & Seahawks

Cardinals

• Josh Weinfuss considers the idea that QB Logan Thomas could be among the Cardinals’ final roster cuts to be “pretty realistic.”
• However, Weinfuss admits that this will likely come down to Phillip Sims and whether he’s able to continue progressing.
• In regards to ILB Daryl Washington‘s return from suspension, Weinfuss mentions that he wouldn’t put a lot of stock in his situation being impacted by Greg Hardy‘s recent reduction.

Falcons

• According to Vaughn McClure, it would be surprising if Falcons WR Julio Jones is not signed to a long-term deal by the deadline to place franchise tags on players.
• However, if for some reason Jones is still unsigned, McClure says it would be even more surprising if they didn’t use their franchise tag to prevent him from reaching the open market.

Rams

• Nick Wagoner writes that it’s a fair to expect the Rams to make the playoffs now that HC Jeff Fisher has had four years in St. Louis.
• Wagoner seems to think the Rams’ defense could end up being a top-five unit when all is said and done.
• According to Wagoner, it appears as though the Rams aren’t interested in pursuing a deal with free agent G Evan Mathis.
• Wagoner doesn’t rule out the Rams signing a player or two if they sustain some injuries in training camp and the preseason.
• Wagoner mentions that it’s hard to imagine the Rams will be willing to pick up WR Tavon Austin‘s fifth-year option at a cost of around $11 million.
• While the Rams have Barrett Jones, Demetrius Rhaney and Tim Barnes competing for the starting center job, Wagoner believes they would prefer to see Jones win the job outright.
• Wagoner believes the odds of the Rams pursuing free agent WR Reggie Wayne are “very, very slim.”

Seahawks

Terry Blount of ESPN takes a look at the Seahawks’ defensive tackle position as they prepare for training camp.

• According to Blount, Brandon Mebane, Ahtyba Rubin, Tony McDaniel, and Jordan Hill are all locks to make the 53-man roster.
• Bubble players at defensive tackle could include D’Anthony Smith and Jimmy Staten.
• That leaves T.Y. McGill and Jesse Williams as “longshots” to crack the final 53-man roster.