AFC East Notes: Bills, Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Bills

• Because keeping the defensive line well stocked is a core philosophy of the team, the Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia says Iowa DE A.J. Epenesa, LSU DE K’Lavon Chaisson, Penn State DE Yetur Gross-Matos and Alabama LB Terrell Lewis are options for the Bills in the first round. 
• He also mentions Wisconsin LB Zack Baun and Michigan LB Josh Uche as linebacker/pass rusher hybrids the Bills could consider. 
• In the later rounds, Buscaglia lists Florida LB Jonathan Greenard, Notre Dame DE Julian Okwara and UNC-Charlotte DE Alex Highsmith as options. 
• Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller writes finding a big target for QB Josh Allen has been mentioned as a priority, with Clemson WR Tee Higgins, Michigan WR Donovan Peoples-Jones and South Carolina WR Bryan Edwards as targets mentioned. 
• LSU DE K’Lavon Chaisson had an interview with the Bills at the Combine. (Jordan Reid)
• TCU DT Ross Blacklock has formal interviews with 21 teams scheduled at the Combine, including the Bills. (Jordan Reid)

Dolphins

• Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald says the Dolphins are expected to target at least one starting cornerback in free agency and potentially a nickel corner as well gave the uncertainty about CB Xavien Howard‘s possible suspension for a domestic violence arrest. 
• Among the potential options, Jackson highlights Titans CB Logan Ryan, Vikings CB Trae Waynes, Panthers CB James Bradberry, Chiefs CB Bashaud Breeland, Texans CB Bradley Roby and Eagles CB Ronald Darby. 
• Other lower-tier options include Eagles CB Jalen Mills, Chiefs CB Kendall Fuller, Saints CB Eli Apple, Panthers CB Ross Cockrell, Jets CB Brian Poole, Saints CB P.J. Williams, Ravens CB Jimmy Smith, Texans CB Johnathan Joseph, Lions CB Rashaan Melvin, Bengals CB Darqueze Dennard, Browns CB Juston Burris, Vikings CB Mackensie Alexander and Panthers CB Javien Elliott. 
• Jackson writes the Dolphins’ plan, for now, is to keep Bobby McCain at safety instead of nickel. 
• Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller writes the Dolphins are fully prepared to trade up for Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa and he’s been told owner Stephen Ross is on board. 
• Ohio State DE Chase Young says he’s had a few informal meetings with the Dolphins at the Combine. (Alain Poupart)

Jets

• Connor Hughes of The Athletic writes that it is “hard to envision” the Jets re-signing WR Robby Anderson this offseason, given he is expected to demand $13-15 million on the open market.
• Although Hughes wouldn’t say GM Joe Douglas sounded “optimistic” about re-signing Anderson, Douglas appears to feel there is “at least a chance” to retain him.
• Hughes points out that the Jets are not going to trade RB Le’Veon Bell because he would add $17 million in dead money due to the guarantees in his contract. 
• As for Jets S Jamal Adams‘ contract situation, Hughes writes that New York has “no reason” to push for an extension given Adams is under contract for 2020 and has a fifth-year option for 2021. 
• Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline writes if the Jets don’t win the expected bidding war for Titans pending free-agent OT Jack Conklin, New York could pursue Eagles OT Halapoulivaati Vaitai as a backup plan and someone who could start at multiple positions. 
• Pauline says the Jets confirmed to him they intend to make a push to re-sign Anderson, though they admit it won’t be cheap. Anderson could end up signing for as much as $15 million per year. 
• Per ESPN’s Seth Walder, Jets director of football analytics Jason Mulholland recently left for a position outside the NFL. The Jets also hired Zach Stuart to their analytics staff. 
• LSU DE K’Lavon Chaisson had a formal interview with the Jets at the Combine. (Art Stapleton)
• Notre Dame DE Julian Okwara met with the Jets at the Combine. (Thor Nystrom)

Patriots

• ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the uncertainty around the new CBA has impacted contract talks between the Patriots and Tom Brady. Once that’s settled, Patriots HC Bill Belichick can meet with Brady and discuss everything. 
• According to NESN’s Doug Kyed, the Patriots have been in contact with representatives for S Devin McCourty at the Combine. 
• New England has also been in contact with LB Jamie Collins‘ agent, per Jim McBride of the Boston Globe. Both players are set to be free agents in a few weeks. 
• The Athletic’s Jeff Howe mentions there haven’t been any negotiations with LB Dont’a Hightower yet on a potential extension, though that could happen later this offseason. He’s entering the final year of his deal. 
• Per Howe, Patriots C Ted Karras is also receiving quite a bit of interest and could end up signing for more than $10 million a year outside of New England. 
• Howe mentions Bills OT LaAdrian Waddle as a depth piece the Patriots would be interested in if he leaves Buffalo. 
• Howe adds the Patriots have interest in re-signing S Devin McCourty and picking up CB Jason McCourty‘s option. 
• Multiple teams have shown interest in Patriots WR Phillip Dorsett, per Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald, but he could still re-sign with New England after giving them his best offer. 
• Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller writes the Patriots plan to draft a quarterback this year, with the round depending on what happens with Tom Brady.
• Patriots G Hjalte Froholdt, a fourth-round pick in 2019, is healthy and ready to return after spending his rookie season on injured reserve. (Kyed)
• Patriots DT Adam Butler could be locked up with a second-round tender as a restricted free agent, while RFA G Jermaine Eluemunor isn’t expected to get more than the original round tender. (Kyed)