AFC Notes: Colts, Jets, Patriots

Colts

• Kevin Bowen of 1075TheFan writes that he’s curious to see whether the Colts’ addition of Carson Wentz leads to more production for veteran TE Jack Doyle. 
• Bowen notes that Colts TE Mo Alie-Cox is entering the final year of his contract and could become an extension candidate with a good season. 
• Bowen mentions that Colts’ fourth-round TE Kylen Granson may just earn 15-20 plays per game in 2021, but will likely feature in one-on-one situations against linebackers or safeties.
• Bowen adds that Indianapolis thinks they can use Granson similarly to how TE Trey Burton was deployed last season. 

Jets

Jets’ HC Robert Saleh doesn’t seem pressed to bring in a veteran quarterback at this point in time and is comfortable going forward with James Morgan and Mike White.

“I know [White and Morgan have] had their ups and downs, just like Zach has but, it doesn’t mean that just because they’re veterans it’ll help the quarterback,” Saleh said, via Brian Costello of The New York Post. “There’s a match that has to happen, there’s a scheme familiarity that has to happen. If you just bring in a veteran that doesn’t know anything about your scheme, he’s learning just like the rookie is. Aside from helping his rehab… and study habits — which I think Zach, and that entire quarterback room, is already ahead of the curve on, with how they handle their bodies and study — I don’t know if there’s much value aside from being comfortable that if something hits the fan, that you have a veteran who’s played football. It’s more of a comforting feeling, rather than trying to work your ass off to develop the quarterbacks that are already in the building.”

• Brian Costello of The New York Post reports that the Jets and Bears have had discussions about a potential trade involving QB Nick Foles.
• However, Costello says that a deal is considered unlikely and it’s doubtful the Bears will cut Foles, as it will cost Chicago $14 million in dead money. This would be $8 million more than if the Bears kept Foles on the team.
• Costello wonders if the Jets will opt to go with White or Morgan as their backup quarterback considering that neither player has NFL experience. 

Patriots

• The Patriots tried out three players on Thursday, including CB Brian Cole, C Spencer Pulley, and TE David Wells who signed with the team Friday. (Howard Balzer)