AFC East Notes: Bills, Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Bills

Bills TE Jake Fisher said the transition to tight end from offensive tackle has been a natural one.

“I think it comes down to being happy every day, what you’re passionate about,” Fisher said via Mark Gaughan. “If you’re not doing that, change it up. For me, I’m passionate about tight end. I’m passionate about blocking, contributing any way I can for the team. . . . It’s about setting your mind on something and betting on yourself.” 

Fisher said the transition has helped him reach a more natural weight. 

“For someone that’s not naturally 320 to 340 playing offensive tackle, it took a lot of work to get to 315,” he said. “So a lot of that excess weight just was breaking down my body later in the season, not allowing me to be the best form of me. . . .I think I want to be in the low 260s, see how I feel, see how I can block, and go from there.”

• The Bills hired A.J. Highsmith and Mike Szabo as area scouts and promoted Dennis Hickey to senior national scout. (Buffalo Bills)

Dolphins

• Former Miami QB Malik Rosier will attend Dolphins rookie minicamp this weekend. (Barry Jackson)

Jets

• SNY’s Ralph Vacchiano says some free-agent targets for the Jets include CB Captain Munnerlyn, LB Shane Ray, DE Ezekiel Ansah, WR Michael Crabtree and C Stefen Wisniewski.
• The Jets could also add C John Sullivan, CB Morris Claiborne, LB Nick Perry, and LB Gerald Hodges. (Connor Hughes)
• Former Panthers C Ryan Kalil could also be an option, as Hughes says he’s been told Kalil would come out of retirement for the right opportunity. 

Patriots

• NESN’s Doug Kyed believes the Patriots will carry five running backs and a fullback on their 53-man roster in 2019. 
• Sony Michel, James White, James Develin and third-round rookie Damien Harris are locks.
• Kyed says the staff loves Rex Burkhead and would only save $1 million by releasing him. He adds it would actually cost the Patriots money to release Brandon Bolden, who’s also a key special teams contributor. 
• Kyed mentions the Patriots experience last year, when they carried only four backs and had to play WR Cordarrelle Patterson at running back for two games because of injury, will likely factor into the decision.