NFC Notes: Cowboys, Eagles, Giants, Washington

Eagles

Eagles’ recently signed veteran S Anthony Harris said new DC Jonathan Gannon will bring “some energy” to Philadelphia’s defense. 

“He’s going to bring some energy,” Harris said, via Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “He’s going to be somebody who has that balance of being dialed in, getting to the point, letting you know what his expectations are, but he’s also going to be that guy right there with you, jumping around when you make a play.”

Harris reiterated that Gannon is a hands-on type of coach. 

“I imagine he’ll be right there next to guys, maybe even demonstrating some of the drills. He’s just that type of guy, who loves football, who loves being around the players, and ultimately, who just wants to win.”

Harris is excited to play in Philadelphia after spending 2015-2020 with the Vikings but didn’t elaborate on Gannon’s plans for their defensive scheme going forward. 

“That’s the one thing that I’m excited about, that it’s something new,” Harris said. “In terms of what his defense may look like, that’s something that you may have to ask him, but regardless of what it is, I’m excited. … I expect his defense to be fundamentally sound, just knowing him. … He’s really big on effort, controlling what you can control and just flying around playing football, and just loving it.”

Harris is unsure why he struggled in Minnesota’s defense last season.

“I’m not quite sure [why the down year happened]. Sometimes you work really hard to get to a situation or prepare yourself as much as possible, and things just don’t work out,” Harris said. “Last year was a tough year for everyone. … I think everybody who went through what last year brought to the table, whether it was financially, health-wise, with yourself or families, I think we all just take what we can from it.”

• ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler writes that logical landing spots for Eagles TE Zach Ertz are starting to dry up as potential trade partners are finding other options at the position. 
• Fowler mentions the next item on the Eagles’ free agency shopping list is to find a cornerback. 
• According to Over The Cap, the Eagles will need to save $6,021,166 in cap space to sign their draft picks this year.
• New Eagles QB Joe Flacco signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal that’s fully guaranteed and can increase to $7.5 million with incentives. (Adam Caplan)

Giants

NJ.com’s Zack Rosenblatt takes a look at some available free agents who could be good fits as targets for the Giants in the second wave of free agency. The list includes: 

• CB Gareon Conley
• WR/RB/KR Cordarrelle Patterson
• DE Al-Quadin Muhammad
• G Forrest Lamp
• S Duron Harmon
• CB Rasul Douglas
• RB Kalen Ballage
• C Joe Looney
• S Sean Davis
• DL Tanoh Kpassagnon

Washington

• According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Panthers tried to re-sign WR Curtis Samuel but were not willing to go above $10 million a year given the other receivers on the roster. He signed with Washington for about $11 million per season. 
• According to Over The Cap, Washington will need to save $3,204,645 in cap space to sign their draft picks this year.