AFC East Notes: Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Dolphins

Former NFL scout Matt Williamson referred to the Dolphins’ cornerback position as “obviously the strength” of their program. 

“That’s obviously the strength of the team, and they have the players to play man to man,” said Williamson, via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. 

Williamson believes Dolphins’ first-round CB Noah Igbinoghene was a solid selection since he is a “high value” player at a premium position.

“The first round was about getting high value premium positions – corner, left tackle. So you might as well build on a strength, which they did,” said Williamson. 

However, Williamson labeled the Dolphins’ safeties group “pedestrian” and a clear weakness of their defense. 

“Pedestrian group. I know [Eric] Rowe played well, and maybe a guy emerges [among Bobby McCain, Adrian Colbert, Kavon Frazier, Brandon Jones, Clayton Fejedelem]. Not sure there’s a No. 1 in that group,” said Williamson. 

• Dolphins DT Davon Godchaux said he’s not thinking about being in a contract year in 2020: “At the end of the day I want to raise my play, elevate my play … I think I’ll be good.” (Armando Salguero)

Jets

Jets HC Adam Gase said they are “all excited” to see third-year TE Chris Herndon‘s progression after finishing 2019 with a season-ending broken rib. 

“I think everyone can agree that we were all excited to see what he could do going into last year,” Gase said, via Brian Costello of the New York Post. “We felt good about so many things, and it just didn’t work out with the suspension and the injury. Then we finally get him on the field and he played like [18] plays. He’s a guy that we’re excited to get back and can’t really wait to get going. And see how he’ll fit in with everything.”

• Calvin Watkins reports that S Jamal Adams and Jets have held talks about a new deal since January and while there isn’t any animosity between the two sides, Adams is open to a trade.

Patriots

• Michael Giardi of NFL Network mentions that Patriots QB Jarrett Stidham would ideally win the team’s starting quarterback job at the start of training camp.
• However, Giardi points out that Patriots veteran QB Brian Hoyer understands their system and “has the trust” of OC Josh McDaniels and HC Bill Belichick. 
• If Stidham struggles in training camp, Giardi would not be surprised to see Hoyer starting for the Patriots in Week 1. 
• According to Ben Volin, Patrick Chung‘s previous contract was set to pay him between  $2.9 million and $4 million in 2020 and would have come with a cap number of $6.06 million. His new contract will pay him between $4.1 million and $6.25 million in 2020 to go along with a cap number of $5.13 million.