NFL Notes: Chris Borland, 49ers, Bengals, Cowboys, & Dolphins

Chris Borland

Chris Borland‘s father, Jeff, discussed his sons decision to walk away from the NFL after just one year in the league.

“Oh, I don’t know. I think maybe it’s one of those affirming things as a parent, you know, that maybe somewhere along the line you accidentally did something right,” Borland’s father told FOX Sports by phone Tuesday morning. “Chris has had a great network of friends and family, beginning with his sister and brothers. So when it came time to make the decision, the support for his decision was unanimous and very positive. And I think maybe that helped him do it.

“He’s been quite introspective. He’s reasoned it out on his own,” Jeff Borland said. “The thing he’s repeated is the decision itself was simple. You’re just not made to take kind of contact, that kind of trauma to our heads. If this goes on, it can’t be good.

“It’s all of the things you talk about around it — the money, the team, the big stage, bright lights — all the things that go with it that make the decision harder. The fact of the matter is you’re being privileged to do something that most people don’t get the chance to do. And you can’t forget the fact that playing the game is fun. It just has repercussions.”

49ers

• Tony Pauline reports that 49ers have scheduled an official visit with Mississippi State LB Benardrick McKinney following the news that LB Chris Borland is returning.
• McKinney reportedly has visits lined up with the Cowboys, Broncos and Texans.

Bengals

• Ian Rapoport reports that Michael Johnson‘s new four-year, $20 million contract with the Bengals can be worth $24 million if he records 10 sacks in 2015.

Cowboys

• ESPN’s Adam Schefter points out that if the Cowboys are able to get DE Greg Hardy under contract, it would “greatly diminish” their ability to acquire RB Adrian Peterson.

Dolphins

• According to Charles Robinson, the issue the Dolphins in regards to retaining TE Charles Clay is the fact that DT Ndamukong Suh‘s salary and cap figure will spike in 2016.
• With this in mind, the Dolphins will need to workaround his contract moving forward.