NFC Notes: Cardinals, Packers, Seahawks, Vikings

March 24, 2018

Cardinals

Mike Jurecki mentions that veteran CB Robert McClain, who previously played for Steve Wilks in Carolina, could be an option for the Cardinals’ slot position.

Packers

Tom Silverstein of PackersNews.com mentions that several agents who have been in talks with the Packers during free agency have said it’s clear that they’re being cautious due to the impending extension that’s coming for Aaron Rodgers.

“There are a lot of rumblings going around that this deal is going to have voids and player options and percentages and all kinds of things to make sure he is able to keep up with the market,” a well-known agent with multiple quarterback clients tells Silverstein. “They’re going to have to come up with something far more creative (than the Cousins deal) because of that.”

One agent suggested that the Packers and Rodgers could agree to a compromise deal that would fully guarantee the first three years and then guarantee the rest of the years for injury only.

Silverstein believes it’s likely Rodgers’ agent, David Dunn, will want his client to be the first player to have his salary tied to a percentage of the salary cap.

Seahawks

Tom Pelissero reports that new Seahawks DT Shamar Stephen (NFLTR) suffered a meniscus injury in the playoffs and has undergone surgery to repair the issue. According to Pelissero, Stephen should be healthy by the start of OTAs.

Vikings

Courtney Cronin of ESPN writes that it’s possible the Vikings could end up signing G Nick Easton to a long-term deal this offseason, even after using a second-round tender on him a few weeks ago.
Cronin lists Will Hernandez (UTEP), Isaiah Wynn (Georgia) and Billy Price (Ohio State) as some interior offensive linemen likely to be connected to the Vikings in round one over the next month.
However, she says it’s possible Minnesota could wait to draft an offensive lineman in the second or third round, given that it’s a deep year for guards.
If the Vikings decide to keep Mike Remmers at guard, Cronin believes they could consider Connor Williams (Texas), Martinas Rankin (Mississippi State), Kolton Miller (UCLA) and Tyrell Crosby (Oregon) in the early rounds of the draft.