NFL Notes: Cardinals, Packers, Texans

Cardinals

Cardinals HC Bruce Arians said that QBs coach Byron Leftwich could quickly become an NFL head coaching candidate.

“He’ll be a head coach early and fast,” Arians said, via Darren Urban of the Cardinals’ official website.

Leftwich mentioned that he approached his playing career from a coaches standpoint and thinks Arians has valued his experience.

“I played the game as if I was a coach,” Leftwich said. “I never really had the physical ability to run around. I could throw the ball, but I had to think my way through the whole time. I think (Arians) understood that and appreciated my knowledge, how much work I put into the game.”

Packers

Packers backup QB Brett Hundley says he’s hoping that Green Bay gets a big return for him if ends up being traded at some point.

“I can’t lie and say no,” Hundley said, via Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press Gazette. “I’ve always said, I went in the fifth (round), I want a first-round pick from someone trading for me. … Everybody wants the house to be traded for them, because that’s showing you what that team values you for.”

Hundley acknowledged that he’ll likely be playing for a new team next season, consider that Aaron Rodgers will be the team’s starter for the foreseeable future.

“Same thing with (New England’s Jimmy) Garoppolo,” Hundley said. “You draft a guy lower and develop into these good quarterbacks and get value for them, it’s good for the program. Whatever happens, Aaron’s going to be here for a while. Everybody knows that.”

Texans

Texans LBs coach Bobby King said OLB Whitney Mercilus is a player that can beat offensive lineman in “several ways” and pointed to his versatility.

“He can beat you several ways,” King said, via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. “He can beat you with speed, he can beat you with power, he can also drop, he can rush over the center, the guard, the tackle. He’s just a hard matchup and he’s a true pro, too. He really studies the game and he’s a good football player.“