NFL Notes: 49ers, Raiders, Titans

49ers

• Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area writes that Monday’s deadline to extend franchised players will play a large part in the 49ers’ eventual pursuit of Redskins QB Kirk Cousins.
• Maiocco mentions that the 49ers have $66.8 million in available cap space right now and will be in a great position to offer Cousins a contract that Washington would have a tough time matching next year.
• If the Redskins use the transition tag on Cousins next offseason, the 49ers could apply pressure to the Redskins by front-loading an offer sheet. Should Washington pass on matching an offer after using the transition tag on him, they wouldn’t receive any compensation in terms of future compensatory picks.
• Maiocco adds that even if Cousins were to poorly in 2017, it likely wouldn’t deter the 49ers from pursuing him, due to his rapport with HC Kyle Shanahan.

Raiders

• Eddie Paskal of the Raiders’ official site writes that the linebacker position for the Raiders figures to be one of the most interesting competitions to watch during training camp and the preseason.
• According to Paskal, “it would be premature to say that any of the trio of linebacker jobs are spoken for at this point in the offseason.”
• Even so, Paskal mentions that Bruce Irvin will no doubt be one of the three linebackers starting for Oakland this season, but the other two spots figure to be an open competition.
• Raiders second-year OLB Tyrell Adams is about 20-pounds heavier than last year, per Paskal.
• Paskal says that this will be a “crucial” preseason for undrafted LB Najee Harris and his chances of making the team.
• Among those competing for the inside linebacker job in the coming weeks is LB Ben Heeney, who was placed on the injured reserve list last season due to an ankle injury.
• Many have assumed the Raiders would bring in a free agent linebacker before the start of training camp. However, that hasn’t been the case. Here’s an updated list of the best available free agents in case you’re interested. (NFLTR)

Titans

• Jim Wyatt of the Titans’ official site expects WR Rishard Matthews to start this year, but he adds that it remains to be seen who will be the team’s No. 2 and No. 3 receivers.
• Wyatt mentions that first-round WR Corey Davis and recently acquired WR Eric Decker will get plenty of playing time, while third-round WR Taywan Taylor could emerge out of the group with a key role.
• Wyatt notes that RB Derrick Henry looks “faster” and in “better shape” this year.
• As for the cornerback position, Wyatt says that Adoree’ Jackson, LeShaun Sims, Kalan Reed and Brice McCain will all have to prove themselves before being placed in the starting lineup.
• Wyatt could see the Titans add cornerbacks after roster cuts are made if the coaching staff is still unimpressed with their current group.