NFL Notes: Cardinals, Chiefs, Giants

Cardinals

• Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic writes that it’s doubtful Blaine Gabbert will usurp Drew Staton for the backup quarterback job during training camp, but it’s at least a possibility.
• Somers adds that this is a particularly important preseason for Gabbert, as he has a chance to prove to the Cardinals that could be a long-term option at the position and compete for the starting job when Carson Palmer is ready to retire.
• According to Somers, the Cardinals’ coaching staff has liked what they have seen from rookie free agent Trevor Knight up to this point.

Chiefs

After speaking with scouts, agents, players and team executives from around the league, Matt Miller of B/R writes that nothing changes in Kansas City while Andy Reid is still the Chiefs’ head coach, even after they recently fired John Dorsey and replaced him with Brett Veach.

“Nothing happens up there without Andy’s blessing,” an NFL executive tells Miller.

Chiefs QB Alex Smith is essentially entering a contract year and the team just traded up in round one for Patrick Mahomes a few months ago, which has left many wondering about Smith’s future with the team. The Chiefs could pick up $17 million next year by releasing Smith, which is a significant amount of money, especially considering that the Chiefs have been tight against the cap the past few years.

Miller says that if Mahomes can show the team he’s ready next year, it would make plenty of sense for them to move on from Smith and take the cap savings.

Giants

• James Kratch of NJ.com believes the only position the Giants may consider adding a veteran is at cornerback, given that there are some concerns about their depth there.
• If the Giants were to add a free agent, Kratch mentions Alterraun Verner as the guy who would likely be the best fit, given his experience playing in the slot.
• According to Kratch, Valentino Blake appears to have a “slight edge” right now for the No. 4 cornerback job, but he still expects Michael Hunter to make a push for the job.
• As for the team’s kicker position, Kratch writes that the Giants appear to be perfectly content with Aldrick Rosas at this point and they would likely only look for a veteran after roster cuts are made if Rosas ends up struggling during the preseason.
• Kratch projects the Giants’ backfield to break down to: Paul Perkins (55 percent), Shane Vereen (12-15 percent), Orleans Darkwa (12-15 percent), and rookie Wayne Gallman (10 percent) with the remaining five percent coming from Shaun Draughn and other random run plays like reverses.