NFC Notes: Cowboys, Lions, Saints

Cowboys

Former Cowboys DT David Irving was apparently following the advice of HC Jason Garrett when he quit football earlier this offseason.  

“He told me I should just quit, smoke all the weed I want, the team didn’t need me,” Irving said via Jori Epstein of USA Today. “I’m a distraction to the team. . . . He views marijuana as a drug, whereas I view it as a medicine. It’s not a good situation.” 

Irving said Dallas owner Jerry Jones, who has supported the NFL ending its ban on marijuana, was understanding of his situation.  

“Basically, Jerry, he is supportive of me,” Irving said. “He understands my situation and what I was dealing with. Our hands were pretty much tied. His hands were tied.”

Irving also said he was smoking for health reasons.  

“I didn’t quit football to smoke weed,” Irving said. “That would be idiotic. I understand that. . . . It’s about wellness, about rights. People need to understand that.”

Lions

Tim Twentyman takes a look at 10 free agent that could still be of interest to the Lions this offseason including:

1. OLB Eli Harold
2. DT Ricky Jean Francois
3. CB Morris Claiborne
4. QB Blake Bortles
5. QB Matt Cassel
6. FB Nick Bellore
7. RB T.J. Yeldon
8. DT Darius Philon
9. CB Bashaud Breeland
10. WR Jermaine Kearse

Saints

• According to the Athletic’s Larry Holder, C Cameron Tom will get the first crack at the starting center job following Max Unger‘s surprising retirement.