AFC East Notes: Bills, Dolphins, Jets

Bills

Bills WR Cole Beasley says part of the reason he left the Cowboys for Buffalo was that they “didn’t value the slot position like they do here.”

“That’s a big reason why I left. I want to be utilized to my strengths and have more opportunities to play football,” Beasley said, via the Athletic’s Tim Graham. “I felt like it was easy for me to be taken away. Really, in that offense, all you had to do was bracket me because I went beyond 5 yards rarely. And when I did, it was from the same formation; I was in the same spot all the time.”

“In this offense, we move around,” Beasley continued. “We’re everywhere. It’s going to be harder to key on one guy here. It’s a lot better than where I was before. I’ll get to run routes from spots I’ve never gotten to run routes from. It’s going to be sweet. I’m excited about it.”

• Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer says to keep an eye on third-round TE Dawson Knox, who has received a lot of first-team reps because of injuries for the Bills at tight end. 
• Bills C Mitch Morse was a full participant in practice for the first time since signing in Buffalo as a free agent. (Joe Buscaglia)
• Bills HC Sean McDermott said WR Robert Foster sat out with an injury. McDermott doesn’t think it’s serious but adds it’s “early in the process.” (Sal Capaccio)
• The Bills continue to split first-team running back reps between LeSean McCoy, Frank Gore and third-round rookie Devin Singletary. (Mike Rodak)

Dolphins

Dolphins LB Jerome Baker added weight and now checks in at 227 pounds instead of the 215 he played at last season. 

“I feel like a new player, honestly,” Baker said, via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. “I feel stronger, feel faster. I just have to take that into the season and constantly improve. But this offseason, [the weight room] was like a main focus of mine. I definitely took that, this offseason, to heart.”

Jets

• Jets RB Le’Veon Bell and CB Trumaine Johnson were not present for OTA’s. Bell’s absence was reported last week. (Connor Hughes)
• Jets QB Davis Webb worked at the No. 2 quarterback ahead of QB Trevor Siemian at OTA’s on Tuesday. (Hughes)
• Jets RB Bilal Powell says “it’s good to be back,” adding that while he’s not in peak shape, he’s in good enough shape to practice. (Ralph Vacchiano)
• The Jets gave Powell $90,000 guaranteed, indicating they’re confident he’s healthy and recovered from a neck injury he suffered last season. (Ian Rapoport)
• Speaking at new GM Joe Douglas‘ introductory press conference, Jets CEO Christopher Johnson said, “We were looking for someone who shared my vision… A GM must be more than just a talent evaluator.” (Manish Mehta)
• Johnson continued: “Joe is the right person at the right time. … I feel like we now have the right people in charge of our football operation.” (Andy Vasquez)
• Douglas said the Jets would be active churning their roster to find improvements: “We’re going to comb through every waiver wire” (Hughes)
• Douglas told reporters he and HC Adam Gase have a “special bond” from their shared time with the Bears. (Vacchiano)