AFC East Notes: Bills, Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Bills

Though DE Ezekiel Ansah left his visit with the Bills without a deal, it sounds like they’re still interested.  

“We had a great visit with Ziggy, and he’s a great young man,” Bills GM Brandon Beane said via Pro Football Talk. “He had a tough shoulder injury last year, and he’s still rehabbing that. I know he went on a couple other visits, or at least one other that I’m aware of. We had great talks with him and his agent. It’s kind of just at a standstill right now, but it doesn’t mean it will or it won’t happen. We’ll see going forward, and we’ll stay in touch with him and his representatives.” 

Dolphins

• According to Aaron Wilson, QB Ryan Fitzpatrick‘s two-year deal has $7 million guaranteed, with $1.5 million in base salary guaranteed each year.  
• Fitzpatrick has a base salary escalator worth $5 million in 2020 based on playing time and if the Dolphins make the playoffs, as well as a $4 million 2019 roster bonus on March 21.

Jets

According to former Steelers coach Todd Haley, the Jets should plan for an adjustment period with RB Le’Veon Bell given his patient style.  

“It takes a little time for those guys up front to get a real feel for how to block for him because it’s a totally different technique you have to use,” Haley said via ESPN’s Rich Cimini. “You have to almost stand up, be patient and don’t pick the hole for the back, like most times you do. You’re letting him find the hole by keeping your guy [at bay]. So I think continuity, all those things, will be critical.”

Haley says expectations for the Jets should be tempered, at least early in the season, as the team also works in new starters along the offensive line.  

“It’ll take time. I don’t think it will be Game 1,” said Haley. “Plus, with all the new guys, all the new guys up front, I think there will have to be some patience. I know New York. It’ll be like, ‘We got Le’Veon — here we go!’ I think you have to set the bar a little lower to start.”

Patriots

• The Patriots met with West Virginia WRs David Sills and Gary Jennings.  (Aditi Kinkhabwala)