AFC East Notes: Bills, Jets, Patriots

Bills

• According to Albert Breer, the Bills had the parameters of a trade with the Broncos that would’ve cost Buffalo both the 12th and 22nd picks worked out for them to move up to No. 5 overall for a quarterback.
• However, the Browns stunned everyone by taking Ohio State CB Denzel Ward at No. 4 overall, which resulted in the Broncos staying at No. 5 and selecting Bradley Chubb.
• Buffalo was concerned that the Cardinals, Dolphins, Patriots or dark horse team like the Steelers could make an aggressive move to get QB Josh Allen, which is why made the deal with the Buccaneers.

Jets

Jets GM Mike Maccagnan tells Pro Football Talk that he spent around two years or so watching USC QB Sam Darnold before drafting him last week.

“Probably about two years ago. With quarterbacks, you don’t control who comes out early and I have no influence from that standpoint,” Maccagnan said. “It’s a very important position. Every time you get a chance to see players … With quarterbacks, you start that process very early. It’s such a difficult position to play, every opportunity you get to see them and get a feel for them.”

• According to Manish Mehta, sources within the Jets believe Darnold has a “great chance” to start for them in Week 1 if he’s the player they believe he is.

Patriots

• Albert Breer writes that his sense regarding the Patriots and their late interest in QB Baker Mayfield is that he was probably the only quarterback that would’ve merited a trade up from New England’s perspective.
• As for the Lamar Jackson buzz, Breer believes the question they were asking is whether they were willing to flip their entire offense upside down to fit his strengths and whether he would hold up in the NFL.