During this slow time between OTAs and training camp in the NFL, one topic that stays in the public mind is the talk of contract extensions. Bob McManaman of AZCentral.com takes a look at a few players who are up for extensions and discusses who actually deserves the raise. Among his favorite NFC West players who have earned big money are the 49ers‘ Alex Boone and the Cardinals‘ Patrick Peterson. Although Vernon Davis and Seahawks‘ running back Marshawn Lynch are threatening holdouts, they are less serious candidates in McManaman’s opinion.
Here are some other stories from around the NFC West:
- The 49ers have upgraded their receiving corps and now the onus is on Colin Kaepernick to succeed, writes Mark Purdy of the Mercury News.
- The 49ers have a number of storylines to watch for as they prepare for training camp, writes Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee. Barrows discusses the holdout, new faces, and position battles among other things in his round up.
- Seahawks‘ pass rusher Benson Mayowa is ready to contribute to the team’s vaunted defense, writes Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. Benson added 15-20 pounds of bulk to his frame, and could be in contention for the famous LEO spot in the defensive scheme, behind projected starter Cliff Avril.
- Terrelle Pryor is working hard and diligently to win the Seahawks‘ backup quarterback job behind Russell Wilson, writes Jerry Brewer of the Seattle Times. Pryor did rule out a position change. “I don’t know how to catch. I don’t know how to run the ball as a running back,” said Pryor. “I’ve been a quarterback my whole life.”
- The Cardinals are still looking for a starting right tackle, and former Ole Miss teammates Bobby Massie and Bradley Sowell are competing for the job, writes Justin Janssen of ArizonaSports.com. General manager Steve Keim has been impressed with the competition, particularly Massie. “Both those guys have been battling hard,” said Keim. “Bobby actually showed some real strides as we got to the middle of OTAs and our final minicamp. He did a nice job. He’s got all the physical tools.”
- While the Cardinals are excited about their rookie class, Keim has tried to temper expectations, writes Janssen. “When you sit in my chair, you have to temper your enthusiasm a bit and wait until the pads come on,” said Keim. “Because we all know that a lot of guys can look great running around in shorts and helmets, but when the lights come on and the big boy pads come on, things can quickly change.” That being said, he had some great things to say about Deone Bucannon, Troy Niklas, and John Brown.
Zach Links contributed to this post.