NFC Notes: Falcons, Panthers, Vikings

Falcons

Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff released the following statement regarding the decision to release veteran DE Brooks Reed.

“Brooks has been a good player and very good teammate over the last four seasons,” Dimitroff said. “We have a great appreciation for his drive and work ethic as he was a key piece in our defensive line rotation. I have a great deal of respect for him and wish him the best as he moves forward in his career.”

Panthers

• According to Tom Pelissero, there’s no reason to think Panthers QB Cam Newton won’t be ready for the start of the 2019 season, despite undergoing shoulder surgery this offseason.
• Field Yates reports that the Panthers have hired Everette Brown as their assistant linebackers coach.

Vikings

Vikings QB Kirk Cousins admitted during an appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show” that last season was a disappointment. 

“The short answer is no,” Cousins said when asked if he considered last year to be a success, via the Minneapolis Star Tribune. “We didn’t make the playoffs. There were high expectations and we didn’t deliver, and so I’ve been frustrated since the season ended.”

Cousins added that he’s ready to make amends for missing the playoffs.

“I wish the 2019 season started tomorrow,” Cousins said. “I’m ready to go and make amends for 2018. It’s been frustrating to know I have to sit here for whatever it is, seven or eight months before we get back at it.

“It has been a tough January for me. I haven’t been sleeping well, that kind of a thing, because, yeah, it just left a bad taste in my mouth the way the season finished up.”