NFL Notes: 49ers, Jaguars, Lions, & Vikings

49ers

• According to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle, recently hired GM John Lynch will have a limited role for the 49ers while he gains front office experience.
• Branch writes that Lynch will “lean” on assistant GM Tom Gamble, with chief negotiator Paraag Marathe handling the “majority” of contract negotiations. Recently hired vice president of player personnel Adam Peters will also aid Lynch going forward.
• Additionally, soon-to-be HC Kyle Shanahan is expected to have control over the 49ers’ 53-man roster.
• As for Lynch’s role with the team, Branch says he will start as a “respected uniter” and “face” of the 49ers’ franchise.

Jaguars

• Michael DiRocco of ESPN would not be surprised to see the team re-sign impending free agent S Johnathan Cyprien, but this is ultimately based on executive VP of football operations Tom Coughlin‘s evaluation of him.
• DiRocco expects the Jaguars to allow Cyprien test the open market but doesn’t think the team would re-sign him to a “big-money” contract.
• DiRocco does not see the Jaguars cutting RBs Chris Ivory or T.J. Yeldon if they end up selecting a running back with the No. 4 overall pick.
• In fact, DiRocco believes Ivory and Yeldon would complement either first-round RB candidates in Florida State’s Dalvin Cook or LSU’s Leonard Fournette as their backups.

Lions

• Michael Rothstein of ESPN believes undrafted WR Jace Billingsley will “have a chance” at gaining a role in the Lions’ offense next season, but there is no guarantee he makes the active roster.
• Rothstein mentions that there are still questions surrounding WR T.J. Jones making the team, while WR Ryan Spadola spent the entire 2016 season on injured reserve.
• Rothstein expects the Lions to pursue wide receivers through free agency and the 2017 NFL Draft.

Vikings

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson said he does not think QB Teddy Bridgewater (knee) will be out the entire 2017 season.

“He’s doing good,” Peterson said, via TMZ. “I don’t think it’s a full next season.”

Peterson went on to say “I doubt it,” when asked if he thinks Bridgewater will all of next season.