AFC Notes: Chiefs, Jets, Patriots

Chiefs

• NFL Media’s Charley Casserly writes the Chiefs have high expectations for first-round RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, particularly for his ability after the catch. 
• Casserly says the Chiefs will have some competition at guard, with newcomers Mike Remmers and third-round rookie Lucas Niang pushing incumbents Andrew Wylie and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif.
• Chiefs second-round rookie LB Willie Gay Jr. will also compete with Ben Niemann for the starting outside linebacker job. 
• Casserly adds the contract situation with DT Chris Jones is perhaps the biggest conflict for the Chiefs. Jones is a vital piece of their defense but is asking for $20 million per year in his new deal, which is a bridge away from where Kansas City is operating in negotiations. 
• Jones has intimated he is considering holding out the 2020 season after being franchise-tagged, which would be a huge blow to Kansas City’s hopes of repeating as Super Bowl champs. The Chiefs also needed to leave room for QB Patrick Mahomes‘ extension. 

Jets

• The Athletic’s Connor Hughes believes the Jets can make the playoffs in 2020 in a best-case scenario, especially with the expanded field of seven teams per conference.
• That involves the team staying healthy, QB Sam Darnold taking a big step forward in his development, the rebuilt offensive line coming together and 2019 first-round DT Quinnen Williams playing like a player who was picked No. 3 overall. 
• However, Hughes points out the Jets have a tough schedule, with two games each against the Bills and Patriots and matchups against the Chiefs, 49ers, Seahawks, Colts, Rams, Raiders, Chargers and Cardinals. 

Patriots

According to ESPN’s Field Yates, Patriots QB Cam Newton‘s $5.75 million in contract incentives break out as follows: 

• $250,000 for playing in 13 percent of the snaps
• $500,000 for 20 percent
• $750,000 for 30 percent
• $1 million for 40 percent
• $1.25 million for 50 percent
• $1.5 million for 60 percent (+ $25,000 for playoffs)
• $1.75 million for 70 percent (+ $50,000 for playoffs)
• $2 million for 80 percent (+ $1 million for playoffs)
• $2.25 million for 90 percent (+ $1.5 million for playoffs)
• Playing time/playoff max of $3.75 million
• $500,000 Pro Bowl bonus
• $500,000 All-Pro bonus
• $250,000 for each playoff win Newton plays more than 50 percent of the snaps