AFC Rumors: Jaylen Waddle, Zach Wilson, Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Dolphins

Dolphins GM Chris Grier said there are no plans to trade WR Jaylen Waddle at this time and they envision remaining with the team for the foreseeable future.

“No thoughts of trading Jaylen Waddle,” Grier said, via Dolphins Wire. “He’ll be around here for a long time.”

• Aaron Wilson reports the Dolphins are hiring Matt O’Donnell as a defensive assistant. O’Donnell spent time previously with Brown University and Duke University, and he worked with new Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver with the Texans. 
• NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe believes Dolphins DT Christian Wilkins‘ value on the open market could be in the $22 to $25 million range annually, rivaling Jets DT Quinnen Williams and Giants DT Dexter Lawrence. 

Jets

Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic talked about the latest buzz from the Combine surrounding the Jets and what could be in store for them in the offseason.

• Rosenblatt states New York will let DE Bryce Huff test the open market, and Rosenblatt reiterates his belief that he will play elsewhere in 2024. Huff wants a big contract and an opportunity for playing time, two things the Jets aren’t likely to offer him.
• When it comes to backup QB Zach Wilson, Rosenblatt thinks the Jets adding a draft pick to trade him is the most logical resolution. This would save them around $5 million compared to releasing him for no savings while taking on over $11 million in dead cap.
• Rosenblatt names Commanders QB Jacoby Brissett and Titans QB Ryan Tannehill as veteran options in free agency to be the backup, even with their relatively high price tag for a backup.
• Cowboys RT Tyron Smith is set to be a free agent, and Rosenblatt expects New York to get involved despite a high cost. Rosenblatt also believes WR Calvin Ridley or WR Marquise Brown could be targeted in free agency. 

Patriots

Chad Graff and Jeff Howe of The Athletic talked about the big changes the Patriots are going through this offseason. Sitting at number three overall, New England has a big decision to make that will impact their chances of a quick rebuild.

• The combine week has gone a long way to help the Patriots make their decision for their top selection, and Graff says “they badly want a quarterback” with that pick. Graff mentions New England has looked into the free-agent QB market, but the high price tags and uncertain futures push the Patriots away.
• Graff notes Director of Scouting Eliot Wolf is the “de facto general manager” for the upcoming draft because of the trust new HC Jerod Mayo has in him.
• When it comes to backup QB Mac Jones, Graff thinks a breakup could be mutually beneficial. Jones could benefit from a change of scenery while the Patriots would be better off with a veteran in the room to help a young QB.
• Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reports the Patriots offered Rams TE coach Nick Caley their offensive coordinator job on a very competitive salary, but he elected to turn it down and remain in Los Angeles. The Rams added passing game coordinator to his title.
• The Patriots scheduled formal Combine interviews with USC QB Caleb Williams, North Carolina QB Drake Maye, LSU QB Jayden Daniels, Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy, and Oregon QB Bo Nix. (Doug Kyed)
• Williams met with the Patriots at the Combine, and he noted they had a smaller interview group than the other teams. (Mark Daniels)
• Aaron Wilson reports LSU WR Brian Thomas Jr. formally met with the Patriots at the Combine.
• Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer mentions not to dismiss the idea of the Patriots targeting Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy, even if it means picking him at No. 3 overall.