NFL Notes: 49ers, Colts, Eagles

49ers

• Matt Maiocco of NBC Bay Area says that the 49ers would still like to sign a veteran cornerback to provide some depth behind Richard Sherman and Ahkello Witherspoon.
• According to Maiocco, San Francisco must begin the process of looking for a succession plan at the tackle positions. Maiocco adds that the 49ers seem unconvinced about making a long-term commitment to RT Trent Brown, who is entering the final year of his contract.
• As for the 49ers’ plan at safety, Maiocco mentions that they plan to play Jimmie Ward at cornerback while Sherman is rehabbing from a torn Achilles. After that, it’s possible Ward could move back to playing safety and compete for a starting job.
• Maiocco also suggests FSU Derwin James as a potential first-round target for the 49ers.

Colts

Colts HC Frank Reich sounds pretty excited about new WR Ryan Grant will bring to their offense, given his route-running ability and position versatility.

“Ryan’s tape is really good. Excellent route runner, strong hands, really good at contested catches, good separation at the top of his routes, really good in and out of his breaks, (has) position versatility, (is) productive outside and inside,” Reich said, via the Indianapolis Star. “I did a little homework on him even after we signed him and talked to a couple coaches who coached him and guys who played with him. I talked to one guy who had definite inside information. He said, ‘This guy will run every inside route at full speed, no matter what. He works his butt off in practice.’ That’s the kind of player we’re looking for.”

Eagles

At the owners meeting, Jimmy Kempski of PhillyVoice asked Eagles executive VP Howie Roseman about how the acquisition of LB Corey Nelson impacts Mychal Kendricks’ future with the team.

“Mychal Kendricks is under contract,” Roseman explained. “He played well for us last year. These are questions we go into every year I feel like with Mychal Kendricks, so nothing has changed in regard to Mychal’s status.”

Kempski mentions that Philadelphia has had Kendricks on the trade block for a few years and nearly traded him to the 49ers at the Combine last year.

If Philadelphia can get a fifth-round pick for Kendricks, Kempski thinks they would be happy to move him. However, isn’t sure they would get that much for him.

• In regards to RB Jay Ajayi, Kempski doesn’t view him as a long-term answer at running back, considering the knee issues he’s dealt with.