AFC East Notes: Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Dolphins

• Regarding the Dolphins’ need at running back, Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post believes it makes the most sense for Miami to draft a running back in the first or second round. 
• As for the possibility of signing a notable free agent such as Melvin Gordon or Derrick Henry, Schad doesn’t think the Dolphins would get in a bidding war for either player. 
• If the Dolphins do sign add a running back outside of the draft, Schad expects Miami would consider “a young veteran or stop-gap, older veteran who is released or available through trade.”
• Schad considers Georgie RB D’Andre Swift an option for the Dolphins with either their No. 18 or 26 overall picks in the first round. 
• Schad also believes that Ohio State RB J.K. Dobbins would an “intriguing option” as a late first- or early second-round pick with Wisconsin RB Jonathan Taylor being a potential “second-round steal.”

Jets

• NFL Media’s Gregg Rosenthal says Jets CB Trumaine Johnson is a likely cap cut this offseason. 

Patriots

• Jeff Howe of The Athletic writes that Tom Brady likely won’t force the Patriots to be the highest bidder this offseason, but he’ll be looking for a “competitive, fair-market price.”
• Howe expects Patriots HC Bill Belichick to run the point on those negotiations from the Patriots’ side, but owner Robert Kraft will also have an important role in the situation.
• While Kraft has maintained that he wants Brady to remain with the Patriots and eventually retire with the team, Howe says Kraft won’t force Belichick to disturb their cap situation to meet Brady’s demands, assuming they’re unreasonable.
• Howe notes that the Patriots would carry $13.5 million of dead money in 2020 if Brady isn’t signed to an extension before March 17.