AFC East Notes: Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Dolphins

• The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin writes that the Dolphins are modeling their defense like the Patriots by putting an emphasis on the secondary over the defensive line. 
• However, Volin says so far the teams are differing in their approach to linebackers, as the Dolphins are trending toward smaller, speedier players instead of the heavier, stronger linebackers New England prefers. 
• Dolphins signed LB Terrance Smith. (NFLTR)
• Dolphins waived DE Jonathan Woodard with an injury designation.

Jets

Jets GM Joe Douglas has already put a renewed emphasis on the offensive line, as his two biggest transactions in his short tenure have been signing C Ryan Kalil out of retirement and trading for G Alex Lewis from the Ravens. Douglas will have more work to do on that front next year, as Kalil, left tackle Kelvin Beachum and right tackle Brandon Shell will all be free agents.

“I think the fact that our GM is a former offensive lineman, I’m pretty sure you guys know that he’s going to be looking for those type of guys,” HC Adam Gase said via ESPN’s Rich Cimini. “His type of linemen are tough, physical, smart guys that can play multiple positions and play both sides of the line. I think that’s what he’s going to be combing the earth for.”

• Cimini mentions the Jets lost out on K Jason Myers, who left for Seattle after making the Pro Bowl in 2018, because they upset him with their negotiating tactics. 
• Cimini predicts both RBs Bilal Powell and Trenton Cannon will make the team ahead of Elijah McGuire. 
• Among the final spots at wide receiver, Cimini notes Greg Dortch and Charone Peake‘s ability on special teams will help give an edge over Deontay Burnett and Tim White.
• Daniel Brown and Eric Tomlinson are on the outside looking in at tight end, per Cimini. 

Patriots

• According to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe, Patriots QB Tom Brady seized control of the next round of negotiations with New England because of the void years on his contract. 
• The Patriots have to either negotiate a deal with Brady or watch him walk by March 18, 2020 and can’t wait until August like they have the past two seasons. 
• ESPN’s Mike Reiss writes that the reason the Patriots might have agreed not to franchise tag Brady following this year is because both sides have built up trust over the years and believe they’ll be able to reach an extension.
• Reiss says Patriots LB Jamie Collins is well-positioned to earn the incentives built into his contract. Collins can earn $500,000 for the Pro Bowl, $500,000 for being a first-team All-Pro, $250,000 incentives each for playing 50, 60, 70 and 80 percent of the snaps and $500,000 incentives each for playing 91 percent and 95 percent of the snaps.