NFC Notes: 49ers, Cardinals, Vikings

49ers

49ers QB Brian Hoyer mentioned that it’s much easier for him this time around in Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system.

“It’s definitely easier for me to call the plays this time around,” Hoyer said, via ESPN.com. “I remember last time kind of having to think about it, whereas now I find myself knowing that when Kyle starts to call a play I can kind of put it together. Just hearing it the second time around has helped, and knowing the plays, there are a lot of words; I think calling the play is half the battle, and it’s something I really don’t think about anymore. It comes naturally to me.”

Hoyer admitted that even though this is his second stint with Shanahan, there are still new things he’s picking up.

“For me, thankfully, this is my second go around, but everybody else this is really their first except a few other guys,” Hoyer said. “Even for me, being that this is my second time, there’s still things I’m always learning about the offense. Why Kyle is calling the play the way that he is, who he is trying to affect on the defense, and I think when we all get to that point and see it the way he sees it, the better it will be for us.”

Cardinals

Josh Weinfuss writes that Cardinals third-round WR Chad Williams has displayed “freakish athleticism” during the team’s OTA sessions.

Cardinals HC Bruce Arians confirmed that Williams has gotten off to a good start this summer.

“He’s shown up a lot already,” Arians said. “It’s a tough room to crack but he’s off [to] a good start.”

Vikings

• Sid Hartman of the Star-Tribune writes that the Vikings will have 14 unrestricted free agents next year, which means they will need some of their recent draft picks to step up and quickly develop to offset any future losses.
• The 14 free agents include: Sam Bradford, Xavier Rhodes, Sharrif Floyd, Datone Jones, Terence Newman, Emmanuel Lamur, Tom Johnson, Joe Berger, Marcus Sherels, Jerick McKinnon, Case Keenum, Shamar Stephen and Kai Forbath.