AFC Notes: Bills, Jets, Patriots

“I’m a fan on the walk-throughs,” Edmunds said. “I think it’s a period to actually get better, but not be as taxing on your body. And if you do walk-throughs the right way, you could definitely get better with them and actually take care of your body and be (healthier). … When we come here to walk-through, it’s a period for us all to get better and everybody has something they need to work on that you can work on during walk-through speed.”

• The Bills officially signed G Brian Winters Thursday. NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reports Winters got a one-year, $3 million deal with $2 million guaranteed. 

Jets

• Ralph Vacchiano has some burning questions for the Jets as they enter training camp, including whether DL Quinnen Williams is ready to step up and dominate for the team on defense.
• Vacchiano wonders who the No. 2 receiver will be, as Jamison Crowder will likely be QB Sam Darnold‘s go-to-guy. He tabs veteran Breshad Perriman and rookie Denzel Mims as the two players most likely to seize the starting job.
• At tight end, Vacchiano wonders if Chris Herndon will come back strong from injury, or if veteran Ryan Griffin will end up receiving more targets in 2020.
• Vacchiano is also unsure whether safeties Marcus Maye and Bradley McDougald will be able to make up for the loss of S Jamal Adams.
• He notes that LB Jordan Jenkins will likely need help in the pass rush, and it may have to come from a rookie such as DE Jabari Zuniga. Vacchiano also notes that if LB Avery Williamson is too unhealthy to contribute, the team may have to consider other options such as linebackers Harvey Langi, Patrick Onwuasor, Blake Cashman, Neville Hewitt, or James Burgess.
• Vacchiano believes that cornerbacks Pierre Desir and Brian Poole will likely earn the top spots, and the third spot will be a battle between Nate Hairston and Quincy Wilson.

Patriots

Patriots second-year QB Jarrett Stidham told reporters on Friday that he’s “definitely ready” to compete with Cam Newton for the starting job this summer. 

“Absolutely. I think I’m definitely ready,” Stidham said, via MassLive.com. “I’ve put in a lot of work this offseason to really improve mentally, physically in a lot of different areas. At the end of the day, I’m extremely excited to compete with Cam and [Brian Hoyer] as we go forward in training camp and getting into the season and things like that. I’m really looking forward to the competition. I love competing in whatever it is, so I’m really looking forward to it.”

• Patriots QBs coach Jedd Fisch said that Josh McDaniels will still be involved with the team’s quarterback despite only being listed as offensive coordinator. (Doug Kyed)
• McDaniels said of Cam Newton’s ability to learn a new playbook: “He’s a smart football player. He’s played a lot of football…guys in our league rarely have the type of success that he’s had in the past w/o understanding the game.” (Michael Giardi)
• Newton was asked about meshing with HC Bill Belichick: “There’s a perception, but at the end of the day, it’s football. I’ve loved it ever since I’ve been here. … It’s just about finding your way to prove your worth on the team.” (Albert Breer)
• Newton added: “I was blown away with the overall professionalism of the Patriots organization.” (Jeff Howe)
• As for his health, Newton told reporters: “I feel amazing. I feel great. Not any different than any other person in that locker room, so extremely optimistic about that.” (Ben Volin)
• Newton made it clear that he’s happy to be in New England: “Nobody really knows just how excited I am to be part of this organization. … a powerful dynasty with so much prestige and success. … I wake up pinching myself every day, it’s just so surreal.” (Jeff Howe)