AFC Notes: Ricky Jean Francois, Dolphins, Broncos, Colts

Ricky Jean Francois

Free agent DT Ricky Jean Francois released a statement via his PR agency (per Mike Reiss) Friday that he will be moving on from the Patriots this offseason, but plans to continue his career.

“I plan on continuing to play at the highest level. Hopefully, I made a strong case for myself this past season. I did absolutely everything I could to help the Patriots during my short time there, and I learned that playbook immediately. It takes a special type of player and discipline to do that so quickly. My priority right now is to find a stable home where I can step in and make a similar impact for a few more seasons before I ride off into the sunset. … I’d like to thank Robert Kraft, Coach Belichick, Coach Patricia and the Patriots front office for allowing me to be a part of something that not a lot of players get the opportunity to do – play for the New England Patriots. Playing in Foxboro made me appreciate this game a lot more. Thank you to everyone there for giving me a great experience that I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”

Dolphins

• Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald spoke to one NFL official who said that he wouldn’t be surprised if the Dolphins traded up in the first round of this year’s draft.
• Jackson points out that the Dolphins’ No. 11 overall pick could be attractive to teams, given that this pick will be paid substantially less in a fifth-year team option than players selected in the top 10.
• The Dolphins have shown “strong interest” in Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield in recent months, according to Jackson.
• Jackson reports that newly acquired DE Robert Quinn is “thrilled” to be joining the Dolphins and returning to a 4-3 base defense. As of now, Miami has yet to inform Quinn whether they will discuss an extension or restructure his contract, but then again, they can’t do anything until the trade is official on March 14.
• One name to watch for the Dolphins, according to Jackson, could be CB Richard Sherman, who was released Friday. Jackson mentions that the Dolphins previously inquired about Sherman, but we’ll have to see if his salary demands end up forcing Miami to look elsewhere at cornerback.

Broncos

• Mike Klis of 9 News writes that it appears unlikely the Broncos will extend a low-round tender RFA WR Bennie Fowler, which means he should get the opportunity to test the open market as a free agent.
• Klis expects Denver to use second-round tenders worth $2.91 million on RFA C Matt Paradis and OLB Shaquil Barrett.
• If the Broncos look to the free agent market for a No. 3 receiver, Klis lists Danny Amendola, Taylor Gabriel, Bruce Ellington, Donte Moncrief and Eric Decker as names to keep an eye on.

Colts

• Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star writes that all indications are that the Colts and free agent WR Donte Moncrief will part ways for good in the coming days.
• According to Holder, Colts GM Chris Ballard “seems very cool toward the idea of bringing him back” after what was a disappointing contract year for Moncrief.
• Holder expects Moncrief to have multiple suitors in free agency, but he may have to settle for a one-year, prove-it deal.
• Holder also reports that the Colts would like to re-sign CB Rashaan Melvin but that deal would come after negotiations start on Monday.