AFC East Notes: Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Dolphins

• Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald writes that the Dolphins will have to make a decision regarding the futures of former first-round picks OT Ja’Wuan James and WR DeVante Parker.
• James is in the final year of his contract and Jackson believes the Dolphins will explore the free agent market.
• As for Parker, Jackson points out that he is set to count for $9.4 million against the cap and is unlikely to agree to a restructured contract to stay in Miami.
• Jackson says it is “impossible to envision” the Dolphins keeping both DEs Cameron Wake and Robert Quinn, and there could be a case made for not retaining either of them.
• Although Jackson could see the Dolphins bringing back Wake as a “part-time” player, he thinks it is “impossible” Quinn returns on his current contract, which will carry a cap hit of $12.9 million next season.

Jets

Ralph Vacchiano takes a look at 12 possible free agent targets for the Jets, who will have over $100 million in cap space, to watch next year including:

1. Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell
2. Cowboys DE Demarcus Lawrence
3. Rams DE Dante Fowler
4. Falcons RB Tevin Coleman
5. Lions DE Ezekiel Ansah
6. Texans OLB Jadeveon Clowney
7. Panthers WR Devin Funchess
8. Packers WR Randall Cobb
9. Bills WR Kelvin Benjamin
10. Saints RB Mark Ingram
11. Rams G Rodger Saffold

We have him a number of these players featured in our Top 25 – 2019 NFL Free Agents list.

Patriots

A report surfaced last week that Patriots WR Josh Gordon was going to be disciplined by sitting out part of the first quarter after he was late to meetings. However, that proved to not be the case.

Mark Daniels of the Providence Journal has confirmed that Gordon was late last Sunday before the Patriots’ bus departed.

Gordon was asked Friday if he’s done a good job with staying on time this season during his time with the Patriots.

“If I haven’t, I’ve been helped along the way,” Gordon said. “So, I’m definitely thankful for all the help I’ve gotten here and I’m definitely appreciative to figuring my way out here.”

• Patriots promoted OL James Ferentz to their active roster. (NFLTR)