AFC East Notes: Bills, Dolphins, Patriots

Bills

Former Bills C Eric Wood admitted that he “definitely” misses playing but enjoys his new job as a broadcaster.  

“I definitely miss playing,” Wood said, via Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News. “But the things I miss about playing are the highlights. And it’s easy when you look back on it to remember all the highlights and forget about all the injuries and the way you feel on Monday morning and just a number of things that can go wrong throughout a season. With the Bills sitting at 2-0, do I wish I was in the locker room? Many times, yes. But I’m really enjoying the stage of life I’m in now as well.”

Wood said he underwent multiple MRIs on his neck injury immediately following the 2017 season before it became clear his career was over. 

“At that point, I already had a couple MRIs just in the three or four days since the season ended,” Wood said. “I knew something was up. But when I got the news that my career was essentially over, arrogantly as a player, you think you know it all. You’re going to get way more opinions, you’re going to get cleared.”

Dolphins

While some have indicated that they want out of Miami, veteran WRs DeVante Parker and Allen Hurns have no interest in requesting trades.

“It’s a great organization,” Parker said, via the Miami Herald. “I want to put the team back and get it back on track where we used to be.”

“I’ve never been one to ask for a trade during a season,” Hurns said. “Once I’m committed to something, I’m committed to it. I thought signing here I would play with a lot of those guys [Laremy Tunsil, Kenny Stills, Minkah Fitzpatrick]. Unfortunately they’re not here. But nobody wants to hear those excuses. . . .

“It’s difficult. You’re competitive. But you have faith. It’s still early in the season. You’ve got to find your peace and joy and be thankful you’re playing this game. Just count your blessings. You’re living a dream.”

Patriots

• Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports that Patriots owner Robert Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick jointly determined Friday that they were going to release WR Antonio Brown. 
• According to Howe, Kraft “became enraged Friday when he heard the details of Brown’s most recently reported incident of text messaging harassment of a former female acquaintance.”
• Howe says that Kraft and Belichick spoke and decided together to officially release Brown after 11 days with the team. 
• Although Brown has not been paid any of his $9 million signing bonus, Field Yates points out that the Patriots will carry $4.5 million in dead money for the 2019 and 2020 seasons.