NFC West Notes: Cardinals, 49ers, Rams, Seahawks

Cardinals

• Per the Athletic’s Mike Sando, NFL evaluators marveled at the Cardinals’ deal for WR DeAndre Hopkins that also let them ship out RB David Johnson‘s contract: “It is amazing in the NFL that some trades are so lopsided still. The Hopkins thing was a joke. How the David Johnson contract was included in the deal just astounds me.”
• Others were less impressed by the signing of DT Jordan Phillips for three years and $30 million: “Miami cut him because he wouldn’t play, then Buffalo picked him up and got a highly motivated player who played well, but I still see him as a two-down player who will revert to doing the minimum now that he is paid handsomely.”
• Hopkins’ desire for a new deal was reportedly why Houston was so ready to ship him out. Cardinals president Michael Bidwill acknowledged GM Steve Keim had had discussions with the veteran on that subject: “When you look at DeAndre, he is certainly someone who is playing at the top of his game. I know Steve has had some conversations about that.” (Darren Urban)
• Cardinals QB Brett Hundley‘s one-year, $1.047 million deal includes a $137,500 signing bonus and $750,000 of his $910,000 base salary is guaranteed. (Aaron Wilson)
• Cardinals RB D.J. Foster‘s one-year contract carries a base salary of $825,000. 

49ers

• The Athletic’s Matt Barrows writes that while 49ers OT Joe Staley won’t retire before the 2020 season, San Francisco is looking hard at offensive tackles in this year’s class in case he decides to hang it up in 2021. 
• Regarding 49ers DE Nick Bosa‘s older brother, Chargers DE Joey Bosa, joining him in San Francisco at some point, Barrows says he can almost guarantee the two have talked about it and there’s a sense one brother landed in a better organization. However, the 49ers’ cap situation likely limits their ability to add another Bosa. 

Rams

• According to the Athletic’s Mike Sando, NFL evaluators point out a trade of Rams WR Brandin Cooks makes more sense from a salary perspective after 2020. 

Seahawks

New Seahawks WR Phillip Dorsett reportedly had no shortage of options as a free agent this offseason. New England was interested in bringing back the former Patriots receiver, while the Jets, Raiders, 49ers and Chargers all wanted an influx of speed to their offenses. But Seattle had a trump card that pushed them ahead of all of those teams: QB Russell Wilson.

“I personally believe he’s the best deep-ball thrower in the NFL,” Dorsett said via Sports Radio 950 KJR. “You can see it week in and week out with DK and Tyler. I’ve been sitting back, taking advantage of the NFL Game Pass (being) free so I’ve just been watching games and you can see it every possession. His deep ball ability and then the way he plays. You can just see it. He’s a magician. I feel like honestly he doesn’t get as much credit as he deserves. He’s a great quarterback and the way he does what he does under the center back there is amazing. He’s a magician. He’s Houdini and he can make every throw. It’s a blessing that I get to play with him and I can’t wait to get there and work him.”

• According to ESPN’s Field Yates, Wilson ($35 million) and Seahawks LB Bobby Wagner ($8 million) are due deferred signing bonus payments by today, April 1.