AFC East Notes: Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Bengals

• Field Yates reports that the Bengals are hiring Houston TEs coach James Casey to the same position and Union College OC Ben Martin as their assistant OL coach.

Dolphins

• Dolphins owner Stephen Ross told reporters on Monday that they were looking for a leader in their coaching hire: “What we were looking for was a leader. That was probably the most important aspect we were looking for. I’m thrilled to say we have found that leader who can really take us into the future.” (Adam Beasley)
• Dolphins GM Chris Grier mentioned that while he’s known Brian Flores for years, he didn’t just hire his friend and added that they’re “very aligned” on how to run a football team. (Adam Beasley)
• Flores said of being hired by the Dolphins: “I’m very fortunate. I’m humbled by this opportunity. I’m humbled, I’m grateful. I wasn’t in a rush to become a head coach. I had a good job in New England. … It’s got to be the right fit, it’s got to be the right place. It’s got to have the right feel. I was excited when I came out of that meeting. I’m thankful that I’m part of this organization now. We’re going to do everything we can do to win games and build the culture. I’ll do everything in my power to make that happen.” (Adam Beasley)
• Flores admitted that there could be some “pain” as they rebuild the team: “There’ll be some pain, we know that. But there’s pain for every team. I think the future’s bright.” (Adam Beasley)
• Alex Marvez reports that the Dolphins are hiring Patriots assistant QBs coach Jerry Schuplinski as their QBs coach under new HC Brian Flores.

Jets

• According to Ralph Vacchiano, it sounds like the Jets could go all in to sign RB Le’Veon Bell in free agency if the Steelers don’t use the transition tag on him. Although, Vacchiano says it’s still possible New York makes a run at signing Bell, even if he’s transitioned tagged. 
• Vacchiano wonders if the Jets could convince themselves to part with a future first-round pick to trade for Steelers WR Antonio Brown. 
   
• Another possible trade target for New York, according to Vacchiano, could include Bengals WR A.J. Green. 
• Vacchiano says the feeling around the NFL is that the Jets DL Leonard Williams has been misused in recent years and it’s possible that new DC Gregg Williams could get the most out of him as they move to a 4-3 base defense. 
• Vacchiano can see the Jets moving on from veteran RB Isaiah Crowell, given that they like Elijah McGuire and could re-sign Bilal Powell at a reduced rate. 
• As for restricted free agent WR Robby Anderson, Vacchiano can see them using a second-round tender to retain him. 
• Vacchiano can see the Jets moving on from WR Jermaine Kearse and DL Henry Anderson this offseason. Although, he admits Anderson could return if Gregg Williams can find a way to use him. 

Patriots

Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski told reporters after the Super Bowl that he plans to take a few weeks before deciding about whether to return for the 2019 season. 

“That decision will be made in a week or two,” Gronkowski said, via Pro Football Talk.

• Albert Breer reports that there haven’t been contract talks between the Patriots and QB Tom Brady, who is entering the final year of his contract. 
• However, Breer says that the expectation is that both sides will find common ground at some point when they’re ready to start working on a new deal.