NFL Notes: Jets, Lions, Saints

Jets

Jets QB Christian Hackenberg’s inaccuracy has been a popular topic in recent weeks after multiple reporters have been hit by errant passes on the sideline.

However, Jets OC Jeremy Bates defended Hackenberg’s play and accuracy.

“I think he’s real accurate,” Bates said, via Daniel Popper of the New York Daily News. “I think he’s throwing the ball well. He’s throwing it on time. Part of accuracy is knowing where to go with the ball, and each day, he plays faster. He gets in a rhythm. And I think everyone in the building is excited to see where he’s going. I think he’s accurate.”

Lions

With Matthew Stafford being one of the quarterbacks in line for a long-term extension, there has been a lot of talk about how his contract could be impacted by others such as Kirk Cousins and/or Derek Carr.

However, Stafford told reporters that he isn’t worried about what happens with either of them and their respective contract situations.

“I’m not too worried about what those guys do,” Stafford said, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “I’m just worried about trying to get better out here. That’s pretty much all I can say. This time of year to me is football time. I’m out here playing football, trying to get better to help this team win.”

Stafford added that his contract doesn’t come up much outside of interviews with the media.

“The only time I ever talk about (my contract) or think about it is when you guys ask me questions about it, honestly,” Stafford said. “I just go out there and play ball, try to be aggressive and get better.”

Saints

Saints S Kenny Vaccaro told reports that he won’t discuss a contract extension during the season if they can’t get a deal done in the coming months.

“I’m not going to do any contract talks during the season, so, if not, then I’ll be a free agent,” Vaccaro said, via Josh Katzenstein of the Times-Picayune. “If it doesn’t get done, then it doesn’t. I want to concentrate. I don’t want it to be a distraction.

“Even if I do make it to free agency, I still want to play (here). This is my home. My family loves it, but at the end of the day, you’ve got to make the right decisions for your family. I’m not really worried about my contract at all right now. I want us to win now. If we win, everything will take care of itself. If we’d have won last year, maybe something already would’ve happened.”

Vaccaro did add that he would like to play the rest of his career in New Orleans if possible.

“I’ve played a lot of good ball around here,” Vaccaro said. “It’s not like a do-or-die situation for me (with the contract). … I’ve already talked to the coaches. If I play good and I hit the open market, then it’s a bidding war and you get overpaid. If I don’t, then I get to play with the team I want. If I get an extension, I get to play with the team I’ve always wanted.

“I want to be here the rest of my career.”