AFC East Notes: Dolphins, Jets, Trumaine Johnson

Dolphins

Dolphins’ veteran QB Ryan Fitzpatrick mentioned that he believes undrafted WR Preston Williams “has enough talent” to make the team’s active roster. 

“We have to find a consistency there; great plays and bonehead plays,” Fitzpatrick said, via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. “He’s definitely a guy that, as a quarterback, you take notice at some of the plays. He certainly has enough talent to do it.”

Williams feels he is “growing”  as a player in the Dolphins’ offseason program. 

“Really, I didn’t have any expectations coming in; I just came in ready to work,” said Williams. “I’m really proud of myself. Coach is always pushing me to go past my limits. … I’m growing. I’m evolving.”

• Jackson notes that Williams is competing with WRs Brice Butler, Isaiah Ford, Trenton Irwin and Reece Horn for a final spot on the 53-man roster. 

Trumaine Johnson

• Brian Costello of the New York Post writes that Jets CB Trumaine Johnson has “a lot to prove” in his second year in New York after signing a five-year, $72.5 million last year. 
• Costello expects there to be “significant pressure” on Johnson to be the team’s No. 1 cornerback, given the team’s lack of depth at the position. 
• According to Costello, the Jets will have a decision to make on Johnson in 2020, as his $11 million becomes guaranteed in March. If they elect to cut him loose before then, the Jets would be on the hook for $12 million of dead money, but they’d also pick up $3 million of cap room. 
• The good news for Johnson is that he’ll be reunited with DC Gregg Williams this season. 

Jets

Even though the Jets appeared to have Joe Douglas at the top of their general manager wishlist from the moment the vacancy opened, Fritz Pollard Alliance executive director Rod Graves says the team did not violate the Rooney Rule. 

“They were inclusive,” Graves said via D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “We worked very closely with the Jets. Their owner was involved. High-level executives including the head coach was involved”

“Even though they ended up going with a candidate that they had a previous relationship with, meaning the head coach had a previous relationship, I understand that,” Graves added. “But we had an opportunity to come in, sit down at the table and have a thorough interview process. Those guys gave it their best pitch and talking to the Jets they were impressed with both, but ended up going with Joe Douglas, who I’ve known for years. There is no argument against him getting the job. He’s a very qualified personnel man.”