AFC Notes: Dolphins, Jets, Steelers

Dolphins

• Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports that the Dolphins had an internal preference for a different type of starting running back, which is why they opted to trade Kenyan Drake to the Cardinals a few weeks ago. Jackson explains that both Adam Gase and Brian Flores preferred a more physical back than a finesse running as their starter
• According to Jackson, the Dolphins became frustrated that Drake too often took risks that led to lost yardage as opposed to taking the yards available
• Beyond that, Jackson mentions that Drake was fined multiple times under Gase for tardiness and was thrown out of practice before the bye week this year due to “unacceptable” behavior.
• Even so, the Dolphins reportedly had interest in signing him to an extension, but he passed on their offer, according to Jackson. The Dolphins will likely end up with a fifth-round pick for Drake.

Jets

Jets HC Adam Gase believes the media is making the situation involving S Jamal Adams “bigger than what it was.”

“Yeah, I feel like you guys are making it a little bigger than what it was,” Gase said, via Pro Football Talk. “We talked Sunday, we talked Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. For me, I was moved on. I told him, I was like, ‘Man, just keep trying to lead and play well. Do everything you can to help us win.‘”

Steelers

• Mark Kaboly of The Athletic writes that the talk of the Steelers showing trade interest in RB Le’Veon Bell before the deadline doesn’t make a lot of sense, considering that they don’t have the draft capital or the money to make that kind of move
• Kaboly admits that he could see Pittsburgh making a call to the Jets about Bell, but doesn’t believe they had serious interest in acquiring him.
• Regarding OLB Bud Dupree, who is in line to be an unrestricted free agent, Kaboly thinks the Steelers would pay him $10 million a year. However, a breakout season will likely result in an offer the Steelers can’t or wouldn’t match
• As for the quarterback position, Kaboly thinks the Steelers are “all in” with Mason Rudolph after the Ben Roethlisberger era comes to an end.