AFC East Notes: Bills, Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Bills

• Matthew Fairburn of The Athletic writes that the Bills should prioritize locking up OT Dion Dawkins this offseason, as he’ll be entering the final season of his contract.
• Fairburn can see the Bills re-signing DE Shaq Lawson “if the price is right.”
• Fairburn mentions DE Trent Murphy as a potential release candidate, considering that Buffalo would pick $7.2 million of cap space.
• Another extension candidate to watch for the Bills, according to Fairburn, is LB Matt Milano, who has one year remaining on his contract.
• While CB Kevin Johnson is likely to test the open market, Fairburn says he’s a player the Bills would want back at the right price.

Dolphins

Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post writes that the Dolphins will need to add at least one offensive tackle this offseason.

• Schad takes a looks some notable free agents tackles for Miami including Titans RT Jack Conklin, Cardinals LT D.J. Humphries and Colts LT Anthony Castonzo.
• As for the draft, Schad mentions the Dolphins will have two second-round picks to work with should they pass on a tackle in round one.
• Potential draft options for Miami, according to Schad, include Georgia’s Andrew Thomas, Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs, Alabama’s Jedrick Wills, Houston’s Josh Jones, Louisville’s Mekhi Becton, USC’s Austin Jackson, Georgia’s Isaiah Wilson and UConn’s Matt Peart.

Jets

• Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network hears the feeling is mutual between the Jets and RB Le’Veon Bell and they believe it’s best for everyone involved to part ways.
• Pauline is told the two sides are “working to attain that goal” and while there is “some friction,” relationship is not considered “poisonous.”
• A source at the Shrine Game tells Pauline the team that trades for Bell will be a franchise that is not currently paying a quarterback or edge rusher big money.
• Pauline says the Jets will be taking a hard look at every offensive lineman available in free agency and if they sign one to be a big-money deal, it’s possible they could go in a different direction in the draft.

Patriots

• Patriots TE Ben Watson claims he played through a torn Achilles this season. (Zack Cox)
• However, former NFL physician David Chao explains that it’s medically impossible to play with a completely torn Achilles tendon, as a person couldn’t even walk with a severe limp.
• Watson was also not listed on the injury report this year. 
• Doug Kyed of NESN considers WR A.J. Green and TE Hunter Henry to be “fairly realistic” targets for the Patriots this offseason with Green more likely than Henry because he’ll likely cost less
• Even so, Kyed says he’d be wary of signing Green, who missed the entire 2019 season with an ankle injury and could cost more than some teams are comfortable paying
• Kyed mentions Tyler Eifert as an affordable tight end option for the Patriots in free agency
• As for the offensive line, Kyed believes the Patriots should bring Ted Karras back and consider playing him at left guard. Kyed could also see Yodny Cajuste eventually replacing Marcus Cannon at right tackle.