AFC East Rumors: Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Dolphins

• Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports that the Dolphins met with the representatives for cornerback Xavien Howard in Indianapolis this week and conveyed interest in signing him to a long-term contract.
• According to Jackson, the Dolphins made it clear in their meeting that they view Howard as a key part of their future. 
• Howard is reportedly open to signing a long-term deal with the Dolphins “if the money is right.”
• Jackson says that Miami is aware that it will likely require something in the range of $13 million to $15 million annually to get Howard under contract long-term. 
• Oklahoma QB Kyler Murray said he talked to a couple of Dolphins’ coaches this week. (Armando Salguero)

Jets

• Tony Pauline of DraftAnalyst.com reports that the Jets have Bears CB Bryce Callahan high on their list of potential targets. 
• According to Pauline, the Jets have shown interest in several free agent pass rushers at the Combine this week and the belief is that they will explore options with all the first and second-tier pass rushers on the market.
• As for the draft, Pauline mentions that the Jets could look to trade out of No. 3 overall to pick up some additional draft picks. 
• Pauline heard several times that LSU CB Greedy Williams would be a “perfect cornerback” for Gregg Williams‘ defense. 
• Jason La Canfora hears that Tevin Coleman is a “very attractive” option for the Jets if they don’t land Le’Veon Bell in free agency. 

Patriots

• According to Doug Kyed of NESN, it would make the most sense for the Patriots to place a second-round tender on RFA CB Jonathan Jones this offseason. 
• Kyed reports that Patriots TE Ryan Izzo will be ready for the start of the team’s offseason workout program after being placed on injured reserve last year with an ankle injury. 
• Regarding veteran S Devin McCourty, Kyed explains that it could be tough for the Patriots to restructure his contract. Kyed explains that signing him to an extension would be the easiest move for New England, but no one knows how long McCourty intends to keep playing, which makes this a risky situation. Beyond that, McCourty is unlikely to accept a pay cut after putting together a solid 2018 season. 
• Doug Kyed reports that the Patriots and free agent DT Malcom Brown haven’t had any contract discussions. However, Brown would like to return to New England.
• According to Kyed, the Patriots haven’t approached LB Dont’a Hightower about taking a pay cut and he won’t be willing to do so.
• Iowa TE Noah Fant says he met with the Patriots at the Combine. (Bill Riccette)
• Texas A&M TE Jace Sternberger is meetings with Packers at the Combine. (Aaron Wilson)
• According to Jeff Howe, Patriots free agent LT Trent Brown could get $15 million per year and he’ll likely sign with the highest bidder.
• Howe mentions OT Cameron Fleming as a potential free agent addition. 
• If the Dolphins release WR Danny Amendola, Howe reports that he would be open to returning to New England, according to Howe.
• The Patriots haven’t expressed any interest in Buccaneers WR Adam Humphries. 
• Howe says that WR/KR Cordarrelle Patterson has drawn a lot of interest from teams with creative offensive systems and it remains to be seen how competitive the Patriots will be in terms of keeping him. 
• The early feeling regarding WRs Chris Hogan and Phillip Dorsett is that they would have to turn down better offers to remain in New England, writes Howe.
• Conversations between the Patriots and K Stephen Gostkowski regarding a possible franchise tag or extension are expected to pick up this week, per Howe.