AFC East Notes: Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Dolphins

• According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Dolphins feel content with a receiving corps of DeVante Parker, Allen Hurns, Preston Williams, Albert Wilson and Jakeem Grant.
• Jackson adds Miami could add a late-round wideout to battle with Isaiah Ford, Gary Jennings, Mack Hollins and others to round out the group. 
• Wilson will likely be asked to restructure his contract, per Jackson.
• Meanwhile, cornerback has risen in prominence on the list of Miami’s needs this offseason following the domestic violence arrest of CB Xavien Howard, per Jackson. Even if he’s not suspended, the Dolphins need a reliable No. 2 corner. 
• Jackson confirms the Dolphins are unlikely to go after Patriots QB Tom Brady in free agency. He says, however, that Brady becoming a minority owner is definitely a possibility if current owner Stephen Ross sells the team or dies.

Jets

• SNY’s Ralph Vacchiano thinks the Jets will zero in on an offensive tackle with their first-round pick at No. 11 overall, though there’s a chance a run on the position could leave them out in the cold. 
• Vacchiano has the Jets taking Alabama OT Jedrick Wills over Louisville OT Mekhi Becton.
• The Athletic’s Connor Hughes says the Jets could try to get Falcons LB Vic Beasley during the second wave of free agency to bolster their pass rush without breaking the bank.
• Hughes mentions Buccaneers WR Breshad Perriman as a potential, cheaper replacement for WR Robby Anderson as the deep threat on the offense. 
• Browns LB Joe Schobert would be a strong fit with the Jets given his history with DC Gregg Williams and his ability in coverage, per Hughes. 
• Given Jets GM Joe Douglas‘ history with the Eagles, Hughes says he could target CB Ronald Darby, RB Jordan Howard or DE Vinny Curry in free agency. 
• Hughes lists Rams OT Andrew Whitworth, Lions G Graham Glasgow and Colts WR Devin Funchess as other potential free agent targets. 

Patriots

Patriots special teams captain Matthew Slater is like most NFL fans when it comes to QB Tom Brady. Slater says he finds it “hard for me to imagine him in anything other than a Patriots jersey,” and has resorted to some recruiting tactics in order to try to persuade him to stay in New England. Other Patriots teammates have joined in, like CB Stephon Gilmore who commented on a Brady Instagram post saying “Don’t leave” with a heart. But when it comes down to it, both players understand the business aspect of the NFL and that both Brady and the team have to do what’s best for each other. 

“I kind of just leave that to coaches,” Gilmore said via the Athletic’s Jeff Howe. “Obviously, he is a great player. I want to be on his team. I wouldn’t trade him for anybody. It’s the National Football League. A lot of people change every year. He’ll make the best decision for himself, and the team will make the best decision for the team. That’s how I look at it.”