AFC East Notes: Bills, Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Bills

• The Athletic’s Joe Person mentions the Bills as a potential landing spot for former Panthers QB Cam Newton if starting QB Josh Allen is hurt. Newton has a number of ties to players, coaches and executives in Buffalo. 
• The Bills’ beat writers don’t think Bills GM Brandon Beane would add Newton otherwise as veteran insurance if Allen falters, similar to what the Titans did with QB Ryan Tannehill, based on his comments earlier this offseason: “I think when you start going down that road then you’re not sure that you have the guy. We are operating here that Josh will continue to develop and be the long-term answer for the Buffalo Bills for a very long time. … as I talk to you today, there’s no doubt in my mind.” 

Dolphins

• According to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, $1 million of Dolphins WR Albert Wilson‘s new $3 million base salary is guaranteed. 
• Wilson agreed to a pay cut Tuesday, lowering his base salary for the final year of his deal in 2020 from $9.475 million. He can also make $1 million in incentives. (NFLTR)
• After Wilson’s restructure and once the Dolphins sign their draft class and practice squad, that should leave Miami with about $14 million in cap space for use in-season or to roll over to 2021. (Barry Jackson)

Jets

• Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News mentions that Jets DC Gregg Williams is held in exceptionally high regard inside the building by the defensive players and is basically seen as the head coach for that side of the ball. 
• ESPN’s Rich Cimini wouldn’t rule out the Jets bringing back RB Bilal Powell at some point even after signing RB Frank Gore. 
• Jets QB Sam Darnold said he’s focused on improving his accuracy on deep throws and throwing to his right. (Brian Costello)
• Darnold told reporters he was sad to see WR Robby Anderson leave for a deal with Carolina but he has faith in the new and remaining members of the Jets’ offense: “Some things just didn’t line up. But with the weapons that we have now, we’re looking… for good production from our WRs, RBs, etc.” (Mehta)

Patriots

• The Athletic’s Joe Person mentions while the praise Patriots HC Bill Belichick has given former Panthers QB Cam Newton in the past has prompted some to link Newton to New England’s apparent vacancy at quarterback, Patriots OC Josh McDaniels was not necessarily high on Newton as a starting quarterback when he interviewed for the Panthers’ head coaching job. 
• The Athletic’s Jay Glazer says all indications are the Patriots will give QB Jarrett Stidham every shot to win the starting job. 
• Patriots C David Andrews called the blood clots in his lungs that made him miss the entire 2019 season a “freak accident” and said he should be able to operate without limitations going forward. (Doug Kyed)
• Andrews indicated Patriots assistant coaches Cole Popovich and Carmen Bricillo are splitting the duties left by retired OL coach Dante Scarnecchia. (Kyed)