NFC Notes: Cardinals, Rams, Seahawks

Cardinals

• NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport says now that the Cardinals have finalized an extension for S Budda Baker, the next two items on their contract list include LB Chandler Jones and WR DeAndre Hopkins. 
• Rapoport notes Jones still has two years left on his deal but recent signings from pass rushers have made him dramatically underpaid. 
• Meanwhile part of what prompted Hopkins’ trade from the Texans was his desire for a raise to $20+ million to also reflect his status as one of the NFL’s best receivers. Rapoport notes Hopkins does not currently have an agent and is representing himself. 
• Cardinals HC Kliff Kingsbury said the main reason Hopkins (hamstring) and RB Kenyan Drake have been sitting out practice is Arizona being abundantly cautious to keep them healthy ahead of Week 1. (Bob McManaman)

Rams

• Per the Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue, Rams HC Sean McVay said the team is still working behind the scenes on a long-term deal for CB Jalen Ramsey. 
• While McVay would like for a deal to get done before the start of the season, he also isn’t worried about Ramsey becoming a distraction if it doesn’t happen: “He’s the epitome of a competitor and I don’t see that being an issue — but it is something that we’d like to be able to work through.”
• The Rams put in a claim for DE Curtis Weaver on waivers from the Dolphins but were outranked by the Browns in the priority line. (Field Yates)

Seahawks

Seahawks WR D.K. Metcalf has by many accounts been a physical force at training camp. Metcalf has continued to put his immense physical gifts on display and seems poised for a  huge leap in his second season. Beyond his talent, though, Metcalf’s work ethic is what’s drawing his teammates’ attention. 

“He wants to be great,” Seahawks OC Brian Schottenheimer said via the Athletic’s Michael-Shawn Dugar. “He wants to be one of the best of all time. He doesn’t win every matchup, but when he doesn’t win the matchup, he takes it personally and he doesn’t shy away. He wants to jump back up there. … The look in his eye, the way he works, has been pretty awesome.”

Even though the 22-year-old is one of the youngest players on the team, Schottenheimer says he’s told Metcalf he’s earned the right to be a team leader because of his work so far. 

“I kind of challenged him the other day,” Schottenheimer said via NBC Sports’ Joe Fann. “He’s earned the right to speak up more. Our guys on offense respect him. He’s earned that right to call guys out and try to bring them along, and if the tempo is down in practice, he’s earned that right. More than that, we need his voice in that regard. That’s how much I respect him as a football player and as a rookie.”

• Seahawks C Ethan Pocic was warming up with QB Russell Wilson and appears to be the frontrunner for the starting center job. (Tim Booth)
• Seahawks RB Chris Carson was back with the team Wednesday after an absence due to a death in the family. (John Boyle)