AFC East Notes: Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Dolphins

• Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald believes the Dolphins are trying to distance themselves from Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa in order to either lower the cost of a potential trade up for Tagovailoa, dissuade another team from leap-frogging them at No. 5 overall for him and even potentially lay the groundwork for a trade-up from one of their later first-round picks. 
• Salguero adds that it is fair to say the Dolphins will have questions about Tagovailoa’s health, as, in addition to the severe hip injury he’s recovering from, the Alabama passer has also had multiple ankle surgeries the past two years. 
• Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer points out the Dolphins could save $9.5 million by cutting WR Albert Wilson.
• Breer also expects the Dolphins to cut S Reshad Jones and save nearly $7.5 million given his recent health issues.
• Former Giants OL Chris Snee is discussing a role with the Dolphins in their scouting department Monday. Snee has worked for the Jaguars the past three seasons scouting offensive linemen. (Jordan Raanan)

Jets

• Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer writes the Jets cutting CB Trumaine Johnson despite $12 million in dead money and just $3 million in savings is a no-brainer.

Patriots

• According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Patriots owner Robert Kraft was comfortable with allowing QB Tom Brady to test free agency because if Brady and HC Bill Belichick explore their options and still come back to each other as their best options, then it would be “meant to be” and both sides would be happy. 
• NFL Media’s Michael Giardi says the biggest sticking point for Brady in a return to New England would be the team putting more weapons around him on offense. 
• Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer points out that not shutting the door on a potential NFL return is a positive for former Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski, as it keeps his name in the news cycle as he pursues other, post-football opportunities.  
• Breer adds Gronkowski’s last two seasons were tough mentally and physically, while he also has been very happy in retirement.