AFC East Notes: Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Dolphins

Dolphins veteran DE Cameron Wake says he’s willing to accept a scaled-back role in 2018 if it’s what best for the team.

“Could I play every down? Obviously, yes, I’ve shown that,” Wake said, via Hal Habib of the Palm Beach Post. “Is that in the best interest of the team? Is that in the best interest of myself? Question mark.

“I don’t have this ‘Everybody look at me. I must be the starter.’ That’s not my mentality. I want to do whatever is going to help the entirety of the team, the entirety of the defense. So, if it means me being a third-down guy, let’s do it. If it means I have to start and play every down, I’ll take that role on, too.”

Wake added that he “feel[s] as good as [he’s] ever felt” right now.

“I feel as good as I’ve ever felt,” Wake said. “But as you get closer to tapping out, as you battle Father Time, you have to do as much as you can as far as wisdom of the game. To be able to play at 36 and have that wisdom, you can be successful. I’m looking forward to it.”

Jets

Jets G Brian Winters dealt with abdomen and abductor muscles tears last year, which resulted in him eventually undergoing surgery in December.

“It was horrendous,” Winters said of the injuries, via the New York Post. “I wouldn’t give that to even my worst enemy. It was something that was very tough and hurtful, from the time I woke up to the time I went to bed. Not only when I was doing stuff. Just walking in general was painful.”

• Brian Costello mentions that Winters will need to return to his prior form in 2018 if he’s going to remain with the team in the coming years. The Jets could move on from Winters next year and clear $6.5 million of cap room, as there won’t be any more guaranteed money included in his contract.

Patriots

• Mike Reiss says his belief is that the Patriots had a small number of players they were considering with their No. 23 overall pick including OL Isaiah Wynn and WR Calvin Ridley.
• The Patriots obviously selected Wynn over Ridley, given their need to replace LT Nate Solder.
• In regards to the Supplemental draft, Reiss says the Patriots have plenty of draft capital if they decide there’s someone worth taking. However, Reiss still considers it a long shot for the Patriots to select someone this year.
• At cornerback, Reiss considers Stephon Gilmore, Eric Rowe, and Duke Dawson to all be locks to make the roster with Jonathan Jones likely to have a spot as well. This leaves Jason McCourty, Cyrus Jones, Ryan Lewis, Jomal Wiltz, Keion Crossen, J.C. Jackson and A.J. Moore competing for the final few spots.