AFC Notes: Browns, Colts, Jets

Browns

Browns LT Joe Thomas said he is still considering retirement and would like to let the team know his decision prior to the start of free agency.

I’d like to make a decision before free agency to give the Browns the best opportunity to prepare for everything that happens in the offseason,” Thomas said on SiriusXM NFL Radio, via Pro Football Talk. “Whether I’m going to come back or retire, I think, from their perspective, having a certain need going into free agency is important.”

Colts

Colts QB Andrew Luck said Tuesday that “ship has sailed” in regards to him undergoing a second surgery on his shoulder.

“Oh, [surgery] is not an option for me right now,” Luck said, via ESPN.com. “I feel very, very good about where I am. So that ship has sailed in my mind, which is also a bit of a relief. I’m not going to lie.

Luck confirmed that he is throwing a bit.

“Yeah, so I’m in the middle of sort of a little bit of throwing, but strengthening and preparing my shoulder to be able to handle the throw load that is part of being an NFL quarterback,” Luck said. “So the focus right now is still strengthening all those muscles and making sure that my shoulder can handle it. … And as much as I have to catch myself — as much as I want to grab a ball and throw it a million times — I know I have to build up to be able to handle that point, and right now I’m in that building phase still.”

Meanwhile, new Colts HC Frank Reich mentioned that he is “hopeful” Luck will be throwing at the start of OTAs in April.

“It’s been a long journey to this point, and it’ll still be a long journey until hopefully we get what we need to get done in Indianapolis,” Luck said. “The rehab has been hard at times. The one thing I know in my heart is that I am getting better, and I’m feeling great. I’m extremely optimistic. It’s been fun to see myself improve, so really I couldn’t be more excited for this offseason and for our new coach — everything that’s happening — and where the direction of the team is going.”

Jets

  • Rich Cimini writes that the Jets have too much money invested in the running back position based on the production they’ve gotten in recent years.
  • Cimini says that the Jets will likely release veteran RB Matt Forte in the coming weeks, which will create $3 million of cap space.
  • Cimini considers Penn State’s Saquon Barkley to be the “ideal guy” for the Jets this offseason, but admits there’s little chance of him dropping to the Jets at No 6 overall.
  • Instead, Cimini wouldn’t be surprised if the Jets signed a mid-level free agent and drafted another back.
  • As for some free agents who could fit the Jets’ offensive scheme, Cimini mentions Isaiah Crowell and Jerick McKinnon.

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