AFC East Notes: Bills, Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Bills

• Bills OT Ty Nsekhe got some work with the first-team offense at both tackle spots and could challenge for a starting spot, per the Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia and Matthew Fairburn. 
• Bill G Quinton Spain has been the most entrenched of any player on the offensive line, taking the majority of the first-team left guard snaps. 
• Bills DEs Shaq Lawson and Mike Love appear to have a strong grasp on the backup defensive end positions.  
• According to Chris Brown, Bill C Mitch Morse is in Phase 3 of the concussion protocol as he continues to miss practice. There are five steps. 
• Bills HC Sean McDermott acknowledged the team was concerned about Morse’s availability. (Vic Carucci)

Dolphins

Dolphins OL Jesse Davis said he converted from guard to right tackle in new OL coach Dave DeGuglielmo‘s first full day in his new role. 

“It was just like, ‘oh wow, interesting,’” Davis said, via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. “Everything is kind of par for course as it goes right now. We’ve been here for three years, we’ve had like five different guys. It’s just part of the business. Stuff doesn’t happen right, there’s changes.”

Davis said DeGuglielmo has been a “bit more fired up” during practice than previous coach Pat Flaherty. 

“[It was a] little bit more fired up. Obviously he’s got to leave his mark on us moving forward, and this camp is not supposed to be easy or not hurt people’s feelings. If you can’t take the coaching, you’re not going to really make it in the NFL…. Little different coaching styles, but it’s the same offense.”

Jets

Jets undrafted free agent WR Greg Dortch isn’t the biggest, coming in at only 5-7 and 173 pounds. So far, though, the little receiver is making a big impression with his ability as a punt returner and potentially more. 

“I’m not 6-3, 250,” Dortch said via Manish Mehta of the NY Daily News. “I’m the smallest guy every time I step on the field. So, you have to have a different edge to you. This is a crazy game that we play… and I’m crazy enough to play it. So, I got to bring something to the table every time I come out here.”

• Per SNY’s Ralph Vacchiano, Jets HC Adam Gase says the team still doesn’t have a timetable for S Marcus Maye‘s return: “It’s just going to be day-to-day. There’s nothing he can do to speed up the process. … He’s working extremely hard. He’s dying to get out there. He knows it’s out of his control.”
• In addition to his $21.7 million signing bonus, Jets first-round DT Quinnen Williams has guaranteed roster bonuses on the fifth day of camp the next three years, including $1.4 million in 2020, $2.8 million in 2021, and $4.2 million in 2022. (Rich Cimini)

Patriots

Patriots QB Tom Brady is entering his 20th NFL season. Still, the future Hall of Fame passer says he doesn’t feel like he’s anywhere close to being ready to retire. 

“I have a great time. I love this sport. I’ve loved playing it since I was a kid,” Brady said via Pro Football Talk. “It’s hard for me to imagine doing anything else in life. I love playing ball, so to still be out here at 41, soon to be 42, it’s pretty good.”

• Per Ben Volin, Patriots OT Marcus Cannon‘s restructure reduced his base salary by $4.5 million, adding $3.5 million in a signing bonus and an additional $1 million to his per-game roster bonuses. 
• The Patriots would need to clear more cap space to trade for Redskins OT Trent Williams, as he has an $11 million base salary and New England currently has $7.49 million in available cap space. (Volin)