AFC Notes: Broncos, Patriots, Raiders

Broncos

Broncos fifth-round LB Justin Hollins is learning both the outside and inside linebacker positions for Denver after playing exclusively outside in college at Oregon. 

“It’s really unique what he’s doing,” said LB coach Brandon Staley said via Ryan O’Halloran of the Denver Post. “I don’t think there’s anybody in the NFL that’s a rookie that’s playing two different positions, but he’s been great mentally. He’s really sharp. He’s really bright. Athletically, he can do both jobs.”

Patriots

• Ben Volin writes WR Julian Edelman‘s extension has a maximum value of $25.5 million, including an $8 million signing bonus, $7 million in performance incentives and $2.3 million in per-game roster bonuses.
• While Edelman’s deal is smaller compared to other top-flight wide receivers, Volin says Edelman loses his negotiation leverage because he doesn’t want to play anywhere besides New England. 
• Per Volin, the Patriots only have $250,000 guaranteed invested in LB Jamie Collins, which means they could cut him with little consequence if he fails to impress during training camp or preseason. 
• Volin adds that Collins earns $350,000 if he’s cut before the regular season, $1.25 million if he suffers a season-ending injury before Week 1, $2 million if he appears in all 16 games, up to $4 million if he plays the required number of snaps and up to $5 million if he also makes the Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams. 
• NBC Sports’ Phil Perry omitted WR Demaryius Thomas from his final 53-man roster projection. Thomas is recovering from an Achilles injury and the Patriots would only lose $150,000 by cutting him. 
• The Patriots could also stash Thomas on the PUP list to start the season and bring him on later as a second-half addition to the offense. (Volin)

Raiders

Raiders S Lamarcus Joyner has already taken steps to mentor second-round S Johnathan Abram and take him under his wing. 

“He’s an alpha,” Joyner said via NBC Sports’ Scott Bair. “He just has to slow it down; he’s ready to go. He’s been an alpha all of his life and I told him that you just have to think, keep your feet on the ground and let things come to him.”

• New Raiders G Richie Incognito joked via text he was “100 percent destined to be a Raider” via the Boston Globe’s Ben Volin.