AFC Notes: Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

July 4, 2020

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald says that among those in jeopardy to be cut prior to the season are offensive linemen Jonathan Hubbard, Nick Kaltamayer, and Donell Stanley, receivers Kirk Merritt and Matt Cole and tight end Bryce Sterk.
Some offensive veterans who could also be potential cuts include offensive linemen Adam Pankey and Keaton Sutherland, quarterback Jake Rudock, fullback Chandler Cox, receivers Ricardo Louis and Mack Hollins, and tight end Chris Myrick.
Those on defense who may not make the roster include defensive linemen Tyshun Render, Benito Jones and Ray Lima, and linebacker Kylan Johnson.
The defensive veterans facing cuts include linebackers Calvin Munson and James Crawford, defensive end Avery Moss and defensive backs Nate Brooks and Cordrea Tankersley.
Jackson says not to overlook Kamu Grugier-Hill in the battle with Raekwon McMillan for starting inside linebacker. According to Jackson, Grugier-Hill might be faster and is possibly the best coverage linebacker on the team.
Jackson also expects that Jerome Baker will start at inside linebacker and Kyle Van Noy at outside linebacker for most of the season.

SNY’s Ralph Vacchiano predicts the Jets to finish third in the AFC East in 2020, behind the Patriots and Bills and ahead of the Dolphins.
Vacchiano believes Jets S Jamal Adams won’t be traded and will start the season still on the roster, as he has almost no leverage to force the team’s hand.
Vacchiano confirms the Jets have actual interest in free-agent CB Logan Ryan but not at the veteran’s reported $10 million a year asking price.
Regarding potential undrafted free agents who could make the team, Vacchiano says to keep an eye on EDGE Bryce Huff, CB Shyheim Carter, OT Jared Hilbers and WR Lawrence Cager.

Ian Rapoport reports that Cam Newton is in New England to complete his physical and finalize his one-year, $1.75M contract worth up to $7.5M with the Patriots.
According to Rapoport, the Patriots are confident in his condition and no issues are anticipated regarding his physical. Although, Rapoport adds that it will take a few days to complete.
Phil Perry of NBC Sports notes that Newton signed with the Patriots with a cap hit that was slightly higher than that of LS Joe Cardona, despite the fact that his contract is worth up to $7.5 million.
Much of the incentives of Newton’s contract are designated as “not likely to be earned”. By NFL rule, NLTBE incentives do not count against the salary cap immediately.
The Patriots had less than $1 million in space prior to agreeing to terms with Newton, according to Patriots cap expert Miguel Benzan.