AFC East Notes: Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Dolphins

• Dolphins GM Chris Grier said he’s wide open to trading up or down from No. 13. (Adam Beasley)
• Grier expects to add an offensive lineman in the first three rounds: “I’d say we feel good about it. It’s an area we’re looking to upgrade, just like every position on the roster.” (Beasley)
• Grier mentioned the current quarterback class has some players who “haven’t started as many games as you would like to see. It’s a little more projection.” (Jackson)
• Grier responded “there could be” when asked if there is a franchise quarterback in this draft. (Beasley)
• Grier added the team won’t reach on a quarterback: “We’re not going to reach just to take one… You’re reaching for a guy in the third round and pass on your starting tackle, that will hurt your franchise.” (Jackson)
• Dolphins WR De’Vante Parker says he’s fully healthy and ready for a “fresh start” with a new coaching staff. 
• Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald mentions that the Dolphins have tried DT Davon Godchaux at nose tackle in spring, though they’d like to bring in someone bigger. 
• Though he’s ineligible to play in 2019 through the International Pathway Program, Brazilian DT Durval Neto could fit long-term at nose tackle, per HC Brian Flores: “I talked to him yesterday and I said ‘This is a great time for you to be here.’ He’ll be working hand placement and footwork. I’m excited to have him.”
• Jackson also reports the Dolphins like and have had recent contact with USC DB Iman Marshall.
• Other late-round prospects the Dolphins have had interest in include Wisconsin OL Micah Kapoi and Wyoming RB Nico Evans.
• Jackson says he’s heard, but can’t confirm, the Dolphins have also hosted Stanford WR Trenton Irwin and Oregon DE Jalen Jelks. 
• The Dolphins have worked DE Charles Harris at linebacker some this spring. (Barry Jackson)

Jets

• The Jets hosted Mississippi State C Elgton Jenkins last week. (Tony Pauline)
• Hawaii LB Jahlani Tavai visited the Jets. (Tom Pelissero)

Patriots

• CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora has heard the Patriots have “taken a shine” to Duke QB Daniel Jones and could even consider trading up for him. 
• Patriots WR Demaryius Thomas‘ deal includes a $150,000 signing bonus and a $1.2 million base salary. It also includes a $150,000 reporting bonus, $1.406 million total in per-game roster bonuses and incentives of $750,000 each for 60 catches, 800 yards, 1000 yards and 1200 yards. (Albert Breer)
• Ben Volin writes that he would not be surprised if the Patriots view Thomas as a player who would be ready to contribute during the “second half” of the season and could start 2019 on the PUP list. Volin thinks Thomas should be ready to go from “November and beyond.“
• Michael Giardi, citing NFL scouts, mentions that Thomas was “having a harder time” with separation prior to sustaining his second torn Achilles injury last season. 
• The Patriots hosted Kentucky CB Lonnie Johnson for a visit Wednesday. (Aaron Wilson)
• Patriots S Patrick Chung‘s new deal includes a signing bonus of $4 million, base salaries of $1.1 million (2019), $2.9 million (2020) and $1.9 million (2021), $600,000 in playing time incentives each year and a $100,000 workout bonus each year. (Nick Underhill)
• Chung has a per-game active roster bonus of $50,000 in the first year of the deal, which then drops to $25,000 per game the final two years of the deal.