NFC Rumors: Buccaneers, Cardinals, Lions, Packers

Buccaneers

• According to Peter Schrager, it sounds like Buccaneers HC Dirk Koetter will be bringing back the majority of his coaching staff for the 2018 season and he will remain the offensive play caller.

Cardinals

Ian Rapoport reports that the Cardinals are still waiting on WR Larry Fitzgerald and QB Carson Palmer to decide whether they’ll return for the 2018 season.

According to Rapoport, Palmer appears to be the longest shot to return next year, but those who know Fitzgerald well believe he won’t want to return if he has to learn a new system.

• On Sunday, Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald announced that QB Drew Stanton has been playing through an ACL.
• According to Ian Rapoport, Stanton has been playing with no ACL for years with just a thread, but it’s now game. Rapoport says that Stanton currently doesn’t have a surgery planned.

Lions

• On Monday, Lions GM Bob Quinn told reporters that their next head coach will have full autonomy of his staff. (Michael Rothstein)
• According to Quinn, familiarity could be a factor in who they hire as their next head coach, but he remains open to hiring a guy he doesn’t know, including a college coach. (Justin Rogers)
• Quinn said that a new contract for WR Golden Tate isn’t a priority with the coaching search on deck. (Justin Rogers)
• As for TE Eric Ebron being back next year, Quinn said: “Yeah, he’s under contract with the tender.” (Kyle Meinke)
• Quinn “absolutely” intends to add a running back this offseason. (Kyle Meinke)
• Albert Breer reports that Lions assistant HC/OL coach Ron Prince has been let go. Breer adds that the Lions still plan on keeping some offensive staff in place.
• Tom Pelissero reports that Packers assistant HC/LBs coach Winston Moss is another potential candidate for the Lions’ head-coaching position if they put in a request.

Packers

• Rob Demovsky reports that Packers inside linebackers coach Scott McCurley and defensive line coach Mike Trgovac have both been fired.
• Tom Silverstein expects safeties coach Darren Perry to get some consideration for the Packers’ defensive coordinator position.
• Demovsky adds that Joe Whitt could also be an internal candidate to replace Capers.