AFC East Notes: Bills, Jets, Patriots

Bills

Bills HC Sean McDermott made it clear that former first-round DE Shaq Lawson is going to need to step up for them this season.

“Like most of our guys, and in this case Shaq, this is a time for us to grow, to learn, and this case for Shaq, it’s time that he steps up,” McDermott said, via the Buffalo News. “He’s adopting the habits of what it takes to be successful in this league on and off the field and he’s consistent both on his approach off the field as he is on the field. That’s what we’re really looking for out of Shaq just like the rest of our players, really, with adjusting to the NFL, adjusting to what’s expected from them and so he continues to grow and improve in those areas.”

Jets

• According to Rich Cimini, the Jets are in “no rush” to sign DL Leonard Williams to a long-term extension and he’s already made it clear that he isn’t worried about his contract situation.
• Cimini says that Williams will have plenty of leverage next in contract talks if he can put together another Pro Bowl season.
• It’s possible the Jets could franchise Williams next year, but Cimini expects them to get a long-term deal done.

Patriots

Phillip Dorsett says he’s feeling much more comfortable in his second season with the Patriots.

“I will say there’s more of a comfort level being, not even a full year in but just the repetition of everything that goes into this offseason,” Dorsett said, via the Providence Journal. “I just got a lot of reps when it came to running through, walking through (plays), in the film room, on the iPad.

“Basically, just going over everything and getting familiar with everything. It was a struggle last year coming in and learning on the fly, but at the end of the day I think I’m a lot more comfortable.”

The Patriots declined Dorsett’s fifth-year option a few months ago, which means he’ll be an unrestricted free agent in 2019 (NFLTR).