NFL Notes: Dolphins, Lions, Packers, Patriots

Dolphins

Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald takes a look at 12 potential free agent targets for the Dolphins as we move into the second wave of free agency.

Beasley’s list includes:

• LB DeAndre Levy
• LB Sio Moore
• DE Connor Barwin
• DT Dontari Poe
• DT Johnathan Hankins
• DT Bennie Logan
• CB Kayvon Webster
• CB Nickell Robey-Coleman
• CB Sam Shields
• G Jahri Evans
• G Andrew Gardner
• G Chris Scott

Lions

• According to Jordan Schultz, part of G T.J. Lang‘s decision to sign with the Lions came down to his wife “not passing up the opportunity to go home.” On top of that, Schultz says that Lions matched the Seahawks’ offer to Lang.

Packers

• Rob Demovsky of ESPN writes that the Packers have no “clear-cut replacement” for G T.J. Lang, who departed for a three-year contract with the Lions on Sunday.
• The Packers used a second-round pick on Jason Spriggs last year, but Demovsky expects him to remain the team’s No. 3 offensive tackle with Bryan Bulaga sticking at right tackle.
• Lucas Patrick appears to be their best internal option, but he was an undrafted rookie signing last year, so it would be a lot to ask of him to replace a Pro Bowler in his second year with the team.
• As for the draft, Demovsky suggests Kentucky’s Forrest Lamp, Utah’s Isaac Asiata and LSU’s Ethan Pocic.
• As for free agent RB Eddie Lacy, Tom Silverstein reports that the Packers aren’t offering him a lot to return, which is why he’s meeting with other teams. Silverstein seriously doubts Green Bay will adjust their offer much in the coming days and it’s more likely they’ll handle this situation like they did with Lang.

Patriots

• Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, citing a source with knowledge of the situation, reports that CB Malcolm Butler’s decision not to sign his restricted tender kept the Patriots and Saints from seriously exploring the possibility of adding him to the Brandin Cooks trade.
• Adam Schefter of ESPN recently reported that there is still a chance that the Saints and Patriots still could discuss a trade later on for Butler. (NFLTR)