AFC Notes: Jets, Patriots, Titans

Jets

• According to Rich Cimini, the buzz at the Combine indicated that it would be a “minor upset” if QB Christian Hackenberg services the Jets rebuild. Cimini says that Hackenberg’s fate could be tied to the outcome of the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes.
• Should New York miss out on Cousins, Cimini could see the Jets signing a veteran quarterback or possibly two with Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater being options, which wouldn’t leave room for Hackenberg.
• If the Jets are able to land Cousins, it possible they could keep Hackenberg as a backup, but Cimini says that’s by no means a sure thing.
• Cimini reports that Jets free agent LB Demario Davis is looking for $8-$10 million per year and there’s “no way” he’ll get that kind of money from the Jets, as they view him in the $3-4 million range.
• Cimini lists Nigel Bradham, Avery Williamson, Anthony Hitchens, Tahir Whitehead and Paul Posluszny as potential replacement options.
• The Jets are reportedly interested in re-signing CB Morris Claiborne, but the two parties aren’t close to a deal.
• Cimini says that the Jets are expected to have interest in CB Trumaine Johnson, but there’s buzz he could be headed to either the Raiders or 49ers.
• The Jets also like Patriots free agent CB Malcolm Butler, according to Cimini.
• Regarding Cousins, Mike Jurecki says it would not be surprising to see the Jets go all in to sign him, as they could exceed the $90 million he’s looking for in the first three years of an agreement.

Patriots

• Doug Kyed reports that former Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema is at the NFL Scouting Combine as a representative of the Patriots.
• Mike Reiss writes that the Patriots could look to the draft to bolster their running back depth with Dion Lewis and Rex Burkhead scheduled for unrestricted free agency.
• No surprise here, but Reiss says that franchising Malcolm Butler is off the table for the Patriots.
• While the Patriots have yet to announce anything, Reiss mentions that LBs coach Brian Flores is expected to take on expanded responsibilities and leadership of the defensive unit in 2018.
• As for the idea of trading for Seahawks DE Michael Bennett, who is reportedly available, Reis would be surprised if New England went this route.

Titans

• Jim Wyatt of TitansOnline.com writes that while Quinton Spain is capable of making the switch to the team’s new zone-blocking scheme, free agent Josh Kline is probably a better fit. Wyatt can see Tennessee trying to re-sign Kline.
• Wyatt also expects the Titans to try to re-sign LB Avery Williamson.
• Wyatt fully expects Corey Davis, Rishard Matthews, Tajae Sharpe and Taywan Taylor to be a big part of the Titans’ offense moving forward with the team adding some pieces in free agency and the draft.
• We have Kline and Williamson featured in our Top 100  – 2018 NFL Free Agents list.