NFL Notes: Cardinals, Cowboys, Jaguars, & Rams

Cardinals

Cardinals DB Tyrann Mathieu is no longer sporting a knee brace on his surgically repaired knee, but admitted that the injury affected him last year.

“You play scared because you don’t want to give up a touchdown, or you play too aggressive because you don’t want to be singled out as if you’re not giving the effort,” Mathieu said, via Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic. “It’s kind of like the worst of both worlds.

“I’ve never thought about it as hard as I did last year. I was always thinking about something, rather than just going out there to play.”

Cowboys

• Todd Archer of ESPN mentions that he isn’t putting a lot of stock in the idea of the Cowboys signing one of the free agent running backs — Felix Jones, Ben Tate, Daniel Thomas and Ronnie Wingo — being signed following their workout last week.
• In the event that Dallas were to sign one of the free agent running backs, Archer considers Tate to be the “most intriguing” option.
• Archer still expects Joseph Randle to be the Cowboys starting running back this season.
• Archer writes that the fact the Cowboys didn’t bring in former Ravens RB Ray Rice this past week is a clear sign that he’s not on the Cowboys’ radar.
• Archer adds that the same can be said for veteran RB Chris Johnson.
• The idea of first-round pick Bryon Jones potentially playing safety for the Cowboys is likely contingent upon what happens with their current group of corners.
• If it were up to Archer, he would keep linebackers Sean Lee, Rolando McClain, Anthony Hitchens, Jasper Brinkley, Andrew Gachkar, Kyle Wilber and Damien Wilson.

Jaguars

• Michael DiRocco mentions that Jaguars DT Sen’Derrick Marks‘ recovery from the torn ACL is right on schedule.
• According to DiRocco, Marks is hoping to be ready for the start of season, but that may not be realistic.

Rams

• Nick Wagoner of ESPN writes that there isn’t a single spot on the Rams’ offensive line right now that you can feel completely comfortable about.
• Wagoner believes if everything comes together for their young group of offensive linemen, they could be a good run-blocking unit.
• Wagoner considers QB Nick Foles and veteran OL Rodger Saffold to be the two players that will need to stay healthy for the Rams if they’re able to make a run at the playoffs.
• According to Wagoner, former Rams OT Joe Barksdale and his agent ultimately overestimated his value this offseason.
• The Rams were reportedly willing to re-sign him to a deal in the range of $2.5 million to $3 million annually, but he was unlikely to return to St. Louis on a low salary and then compete for the right tackle job.