AFC East Notes: Bills, Dolphins, Patriots

Bills

• According to CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora, Bills DT Jordan Phillips is expected to have a robust market when free agency opens after nearly cracking double-digit sacks as a defensive tackle. 
• The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia lists Alabama WR Henry Ruggs III, Colorado WR Laviska Shenault Jr., Arizona State WR Brandon Aiyuk, TCU WR Jalen Reagor and South Carolina WR Bryan Edwards as good fits in the draft for the Bills. 

Dolphins

• Per Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman, an NFC general manager says the Dolphins have already been among the most active teams talking with other teams: “They’re shaping up to be among the biggest factors in this draft.”
• According to CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin, the Dolphins are among the teams who would be interested in Titans RB Dion Lewis as a backup if he’s cut by Tennessee as expected. 

Patriots

• The Athletic’s Jeff Howe writes that money isn’t really a big factor in Patriots QB Tom Brady‘s upcoming decision, except so far as it is indicative of a team’s commitment to him.
• Howe points out Brady wanted guaranteed money for 2020 in his last negotiations with the Patriots in 2019, but the team wanted to go year-to-year with him. Howe expects Brady to ask for guaranteed money in the second year of his deal again. 
• Howe believes passing Don Shula in all-time wins is important to Patriots HC Bill Belichick, meaning he won’t retire until after that. He’s on pace to pass Shula in 2023. 
• At tight end, Howe mentions Chargers TE Hunter Henry and Bengals TE Tyler Eifert as strong free-agent targets, particularly since the Patriots inquired about Eifert at the trade deadline last year.
• Buccaneers TE O.J. Howard and Rams TE Gerald Everett are also potential trade targets for the Patriots, per Howe.
• NESN’s Zack Cox points out the Patriots could save almost $3.5 million by releasing K Stephen Gostkowski, who’s coming off of hip surgery, this offseason. 
• Retire Patriots OL coach Dante Scarnecchia will still represent the team at the Scouting Combine and work out players for New England this week. (Michael Giardi)