AFC Notes: Bills, Jets, Patriots

Bills

  • Per WGR 550’s Sal Capaccio, Bills HC Sean McDermott says new WR Stefon Diggs has made a strong first impression: “We start with a clean slate. I’ve enjoyed getting to know Stefon and getting to know his family. Just like any relationship, it’s about building that trust.”
  • Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer writes that a season with limited or zero fan attendance could help the home-field advantage for teams like the Bills that play more games in the elements. 
  • The Bills plan to let the legal process play out for DT Ed Oliver following his arrest, per McDermott: “We’ve spoken. It’s a situation we take seriously. Where we are now is allowing the legal process to run its course.” (Capaccio)
  • Bills DC Leslie Frazier thinks the team will give fifth-round rookie QB Jake Fromm the benefit of the doubt for a 2019 text message that surfaced Thursday where Fromm said only “elite white people” should be allowed to buy guns. Fromm apologized to the team: “Guys are going to give Jake every chance to prove that that was a teachable moment and he’s learning and growing.” (Matthew Fairburn)
  • The Bills later issued the following statement regarding Fromm: “Earlier today, we became aware of comments made in a text message conversation involving Jake Fromm in 2019. He was wrong and he admitted it to us. We don’t condone what he said. Jake was honest and forthcoming to us about the text exchange. He asked for an opportunity to address and apologize to his teammates and coaches today in a team meeting, which he did. We will continue to work with Jake on the responsibilities of being a Buffalo Bill on and off the field.”

Jets

  • Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News identifies Jets RB Le’Veon Bell and S Marcus Maye as the team’s two most-likely trade candidates. 
  • Mehta says if the Jets get off to a slow start, they could deal Bell before the trade deadline, as he likely won’t be back in 2021 regardless. 
  • As for Maye, how quickly Jets third-round S Ashtyn Davis adjusts to the professional level will likely play a large role in whether Maye plays out the entirety of the last year of his rookie deal. 
  • Mehta writes there’s a good chance all nine members of the Jets’ rookie class make the final roster this year. 

Patriots

Patriots’ second-year WR Jakobi Meyers said he is hoping to be “levels ahead” of where he was last season. 

“Mentally, I want to be levels ahead of where I was last year,” Meyers said, via Paul Perillo of the team’s official site. “Understanding not only what we’re doing but also why we’re doing it. Earning trust to make the right play. I want to build on last year. It was a nice stepping stone, but I want to keep building and growing.”

Meyers called last year a “learning experience” and is focusing on the mental aspect of the game during New England’s virtual offseason program. 

“I don’t need a football field to know what my assignment is,” Meyers said. “I feel like I will be a lot further ahead. I didn’t know if I’d even make the team or what role I might have or where I’d be playing. I still have chip on my shoulder, like will I even be here? I’m staying ready for my name to be called. I need to make sure I give them a reason to keep me around.”

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