NFL Notes: Cardinals, Panthers, Rams, & Saints

Cardinals

• Josh Weinfuss expects rookie RB David Johnson to ultimately be the team’s “between-the-tackles runner” with Andre Ellington seeing time as the team’s third-down running back.
• Weinfuss thinks LB Daryl Washington could be on the field at some point in 2015 once he’s served his suspension for violating the personal conduct policy.
• As of now, Weinfuss isn’t sure that the Cardinals will eventually bring in a tight end.

Panthers

• According to David Newton, the No. 1 story line for the Panthers’ training camp is whether Michael Oher solidify the offensive line at left tackle.
• Newton expects Carolina to spread things out on offense in 2015 now that Mike Tolbert is healthy, they’ve added upgrades to their offensive line and brought in more weapons for QB Cam Newton.
• Newton mentions that you can “almost bank on” TE Greg Olsen having 800-plus yards this season.
• The same can be said of second-year WR Kelvin Benjamin, who Newton expects to be close to 1,000 yards receiving in 2015.
• Newton can see the Panthers adding an offensive lineman at some point, but he thinks they’ll pass on signing a running back, receiver or a safety.

Rams

• Nick Wagoner expects the Rams to allow the season to play out before making a decision regarding a potential long-term extension for QB Nick Foles, who’s entering the final year of his rookie deal.
• If Foles is able to put together a solid season for the Rams, Wagoner believes he could be in line for a similar contract to the one signed by Chiefs QB Alex Smith — four-years, $17 million a season, $19 million guaranteed upfront and as much as $45 million guaranteed.
• Wagoner expects E.J. Gaines to beat out Trumaine Johnson for the starting cornerback job opposite to Janoris Jenkins.

Saints

• If Drew Brees can stay healthy and productive for the next four years, Mike Triplett believes he’ll have a serious shot at becoming the NFL’s all-time leading passer.
• According to Triplett, cornerbacks Terrence Frederick, Brian Dixon and Stanley Jean-Baptiste are all on the roster bubble right now.
• Triplett adds S Jamarca Sanford, OT Zach Strief and LB David Hawthorne could end being roster cuts, depending on the level of competition at their respective positions.