AFC Notes: Bengals, Colts, Jets, Texans

Bengals

• Alex Marvez reports that the Bengals are retaining TEs coach Jonathan Hayes.
• Jim Owczarski of the Enquirer, citing multiple sources, reports that LBs coach Jim Haslett will remain on the Bengals’ defensive staff.

Colts

• A league source tells Ben Volin of the Boston Globe that he believes this is the year Patriots OC Josh McDaniels agrees to take a head-coaching job.
• Both Volin and his source agree that the Colts seem like the best fit for McDaniels, especially if Andrew Luck’s shoulder is okay.

Jets

• Brian Costello of the New York Post takes a look at some of the big-name free agents the Jets should consider making a run at if available this March.
• To start, Costello mentions that New York could have around $100 million in available cap space to work with this offseason if they release DE Muhammad Wilkerson and RB Matt Forte.
• Costello writes that it would be “usual” for the Jets to make a big splash and pay Kirk Cousins $25 million or more per year as part of a long-term term, given that they’re typically more conservative.
• At the running back position, Costello lists Carlos Hyde, Dion Lewis and Isaiah Crowell as possible free agent targets the Jets could consider.
• Costello believes the Jets still need a “gamebreaker” at receiver to go along with their young core and lists Jarvis Landry, Allen Robinson, and Sammy Watkins are a few names to watch.
• If Jets want to consider upgrading from TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Costello suggests Jimmy Graham and Tyler Eifert as two worth paying attention.
• Regarding the offensive line, Costello insists that the team will likely look towards the draft since the free agent market will be relatively weak. However, he could see the Jets signing C Weston Richburg of the Giants if Jets C Wes Johnson elects to enter the open market.
• Costello suggests Aldon Smith, Ezekiel Ansah, and Barkevious Mingo as three pass-rushers that could make sense for the Jets.
• Lastly, Costello has Trumaine Johnson, Malcolm Butler, Davon House and Patrick Robinson as four cornerbacks that could help to round out their cornerback depth.
• We have most of these players featured in our Top 100  – 2018 NFL Free Agents list.

Texans

• A league source tells Ben Volin of the Boston Globe that he expects Patriots executive Nick Caserio to leave New England and mentions that Texans GM position as an intriguing opportunity.
• Volin points out that Caserio has obvious ties to Texans HC Bill O’Brien from their time together in New England and would have a solid foundation to build upon in Houston with Deshaun Watson, DeAndre Hopkins, J.J. Watt, and Jadeveon Clowney.