NFC Notes: Cowboys, Rams, Seahawks

Cowboys

Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones took issue with Dez Bryant‘s recent comment about his release having something to do with “Garrett’s guys.”

“I don’t understand that comment,” Jones said during an appearance on 105.3 The Fan Tuesday, via Pro Football Talk. “You see those things when it’s difficult for a player to take the next step.”

As for releasing Bryant, Jones said it was a “difficult” decision to make, considering the kind of players he was for them.

“I think it’s always difficult because Dez was an amazing player for us,” Jones said. “He helped us win a lot of football games. At the same time, these things happen in our business.”

Rams

Rams RB Todd Gurley said he understands that DT Aaron Donald is next in line to receive a long-term extension from the team and he’s willing to wait to get a new deal of his own.

“Obviously, we know Aaron Donald is the guy to get paid,” Gurley told SiriusXM NFL Radio on Monday. “That’s the last thing we want to worry about is trying to get ours done when we need our best player to get paid.”

According to Gurley, a new contract isn’t something he focused on right now.

“That’s not even really the focus right now,” Gurley said. “Once you win that Super Bowl, they don’t have a choice but to pay you whether it’s the Rams or any other team. Once we try to put that together and do that, everything will take care of itself. Just focus on what’s next.”

Seahawks

• Brock Huard reports that Seahawk S Earl Thomas was not in attendance for the start of voluntary workouts on Monday.
• According to Charles Robinson, the Seahawks were careful to keep the extent of DL Malik McDowell’s injuries under wraps.
• Robinson says that McDowell sustained “extensive brain/eye trauma” and it was clear from the moment of the injury that it was an “extremely long shot” he’d ever play again.
• A report surfaced Monday that the Seahawks are expected to waive McDowell and allow him to try to find a team willing to clear him medically. (NFLTR)