NFC Notes: Lions, Packers, Seahawks

Lions

Lions GM Bob Quinn recently told SiriusXM NASCAR radio that while there’s nothing new regarding an extension for QB Matthew Stafford, they’re hoping to have some news in the coming months.

“Nothing to report right now,” Quinn said, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “We’re working towards that and hopefully we have some news later in the summer.”

Quinn added that he plans to remain positive about the situation moving forward.

“Always have positive thinking,” Quinn said. “But I’ve said this a bunch of times. It takes two sides to do a deal and I feel confident that we’ll get something done.”

Packers

After a disappointing 2016 season in which he battled injuries, the Packers plan to move CB Damarious Randall to the “star” position, which is similar to the one played by Charles Woodson and Micah Hyde the past few years.

“It’s a lot of what he did in college, first off,” Packers cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt said, via Rob Demovsky of ESPN. “He’s comfortable being inside, he has good quickness, he has good instincts, he has the ability to see and catch the flash of the football, he’s a smart player. I think he’s becoming a better communicator on the field and so he has the ability to be successful inside there.”

“I think he’s going to be not only a player that can cover in the slot but also add to the blitz game,” Whitt added. “I don’t know if he’ll be as impactful as Wood was, but I can see him being right along with Micah and being that type of players when it comes to the blitz game.”

So far, Randall’s transition to the “star” position has earned praise from HC Mike McCarthy.

“If there’s one that really jumps out to me, it’s Damarious Randall’s had an outstanding offseason,” McCarthy said. “You can see his play at the nickel, the star position, we call it.”

Seahawks

According to Seahawks HC Pete Carroll, cornerback Deshawn Shead is “making great progress” in his return from a torn ACL.

“He’s making great progress,” Carroll said, via Pro Football Talk. “He is one of the all-time best healers. He applies himself as well as a person can do in terms of getting back. He’s got all the grit and the perseverance about making it through this as quickly as you possibly can, so he’s doing great.”

However, Carroll added that he doesn’t expect Shead to be ready to play by the start of the season.

“No, I don’t think so,” Carroll said. “I don’t think we’ll be pushing him on that regard. Maybe he does it, I should never say no to him. Maybe he can pull it off. We’ll see.”