AFC Notes: Colts, Jets, Patriots

Colts

• Colts GM Chris Ballard told reporters on Monday that he believes they will be an attractive destination for free agents this offseason. However, Ballard added that they will stick to their approach and find players that fit in their locker room and team culture. (George Bremer)
• Ballard said that pass rush “will always be a cornerstone for us” when looking at specific areas to improve this offseason. Ballard also said that the wide receiver position that needs to be shored up. (Andrew Walker)
• As for trading QB Jacoby Brissett, Ballard said he told him: “I’m not giving you away.” Ballard added: “It would take something that has to blow me away.” (Kevin Bowen)
• Ballard mentioned that he’ll meet with K Adam Vinatieri on Tuesday, but said: “I don’t think I’ve been around a special teams player who has been that important to a locker room.” (Andrew Walker)

Jets

• New Jets HC Adam Gase said he had no interest in asking for control over personnel decisions in New York: “I didn’t even ask (for it). That was not something I was really interested in.” (Ralph Vacchiano)
• Gase said of QB Sam Darnold: “It’s gonna start with him. That’s an obvious statement. I’m excited. This is the first time I’ve been able to get with a guy this young, this early in his career.” (Albert Breer)
• Regarding the possibility of hiring Gregg Williams as defensive coordinator, Gase said: “We’re talking to as many people as we can right now, trying to get through all kinds of positions. Defensive coordinator is something that is a high priority for us and we’ll just keep working through that.” (Brian Costello)
• Gase said he may decide not to hire a QBs coach: “We’re still looking into that. I might go coordinator and no quarterbacks coach. I think the less voices there, the better. I think there needs to be a direct line of communication with myself or if we bring in just a coordinator.” (Brian Costello)
• Christopher Johnson said of Mike McCarthy: “McCarthy is terrific, absolutely. I was really impressed by him. Obviously, he has this incredible run with two Hall of Fame, I’m sure, quarterbacks and with this amazing franchise in Green Bay.” (Brian Costello)

Patriots

Reports from this past weekend mentioned that Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski is expected to strongly consider retirement after the season.

However, Gronkowski says he hasn’t thought about the possibility.

“I was focused on L.A. the whole game, and it’s going to be the same thing this week,” said Gronkowski, via NFL.com. “I’m all-in right now. We’ve got the Kansas City Chiefs now. It’s going to be another week of preparation, and I haven’t thought about anything like that, so just got to go all-in, keep our focus and keep on doing what we’ve got to do, and I’ve got to keep on doing what I’ve got to do to help this team out to win next week.“