NFL Notes: Jim Leonhard, Buccaneers, Cardinals, & Panthers

Jim Leonhard

Free agent S Jim Leonhard mentioned that he would consider returning to the NFL if the right situation presented itself to him.

“The door is closed, but not locked,” said Leonard, via Sirius XM NFL Radio. “If it was a really unique opportunity, I would entertain it.”

Buccaneers

• Pat Yasinskas reports that there is currently “open dialogue” between the Buccaneers and LB Lavonte David regarding a contract extension.
• According to Yasinskas, the two parties would like to have an agreement in place as soon as possible that will pay David as one of the best outside linebackers in the NFL.
• Yasinskas considers D.J. Swearinger to be an upgrade over Chris Conte at safety.
• Swearinger has been working with the first-team defense and the Bucs reportedly think highly of him.
• Yaskinskas seems to think the Buccaneers would prefer to get their rookie offensive linemen — Ali Marpet and Kadeem Edwards — involved rather than sign free agent G Evan Mathis.
• Yaskinskas confirms that RT Demar Dotson is expected to show up to minicamp, even though he’s looking for a new contract.
• According to Yasinskas, free agent LB Bruce Carter could make the biggest contribution to the team in 2015.

Cardinals

• In his 53-man roster projection, Josh Weinfuss wound up cutting QB Logan Thomas, RB Marion Grice, OLB LaMarr Woodley, and S Chris Clemons among others.

Panthers

• David Newton of ESPN writes that Jonathan Stewart will need to stay healthy and perform like he did down the stretch for the Panthers if he’s to remain with the team beyond 2015.
• Stewart carries a $9.55 million cap figure next season and will be 30 years old, so he could be a cap casualty, depending on how things go this season.
• According to Newton, the Panthers are “high on” fifth-round RB Cameron Artis-Payne.
• Newton seems to think Corey Brown will end up playing a bigger role in the team’s offense than Ted Ginn Jr.
• Newton expects Charles Tillman to secure the No. 2 cornerback position job this summer, which could leave Bene Benwikere as the team’s slot corner.