NFC West Notes: Cardinals, 49ers, Seahawks

Cardinals

• According to Darren Urban of the team website, the team hasn’t ruled out relying on OT Justin Murray and a healthy return from OT Marcus Gilbert at right tackle, though they would be open to upgrading in free agency and the draft if possible. 

49ers

• According to NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco, the 49ers would like to keep DL Arik Armstead on a long-term deal at a price that doesn’t handicap their ability to keep other core players like TE George Kittle or DL DeForest Buckner. 
• If the two sides can’t come to an agreement before free agency starts, Maiocco adds it makes sense to trade Armstead after using the franchise tag on him to try and recoup more value than just a compensatory pick. 
• Matt Barrows and Dane Brugler of The Athletic take a look at three prospects capable of replacing Armstead in the upcoming draft including Notre Dame’s Khalid Kareem, Auburn’s Marlon Davidson, and North Carolina’s Jason Strowbridge.

Seahawks

• Per ESPN’s Brady Henderson, Seahawks GM John Schneider confirmed the team would add a running back this offseason with both Chris Carson (hip) and Rashaad Penny (knee) coming off injuries: “We’ll be addressing that position. There’s no doubt.”
• Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times notes that Schneider’s comments at the Combine aligned with an ESPN report that suggested the Seahawks weren’t willing to break the bank to keep DE Jadeveon Clowney from leaving via free agency: “It’s not just about this year. It’s planning for next year and the following year, as well. We have to be cognizant of where we’re going.”
• The Seahawks had an official interview with Wisconsin RB Jonathan Taylor at the Combine. (Brady Henderson)