NFL Notes: Branden Albert, Bears, Bills, Dolphins, Jets

Branden Albert

• Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that the pending trade that would send LT Branden Albert to the Jaguars for a late-round pick is expected to still happen. However, Rapoport says that things “will go dark” until March 9, which is when the deal can be officially processed.

Bears

• According to Ian Rapoport, Bears QB Jay Cutler has been working out and rehabbing from shoulder surgery and is expected to be able to pass a physical by March.

Bills

• Mike Rodak of ESPN writes that if the Bills pick up QB Tyrod Taylor‘s option, they would be “hard pressed” to use their franchise tag on CB Stephon Gilmore.
• It’s possible that the Bills could pick up some cap space by restructuring the contracts of LT Cordy Glenn, DT Marcell Dareus and DE Jerry Hughes, but Rodak says that the Bills are in a somewhat restrictive salary-cap situation.
• By keeping Taylor, Rodak believes it would end any speculation about the team making RB LeSean McCoy available for trade and unless decrease the odds of them drafting a quarterback at No. 10 overall.
• However, if the Bills move on from Taylor, Rodak believes this would be the equivalent to Buffalo hitting the reset button.
• Although, this would allow the Bills to franchise Gilmore and continue to work on a long-term extension.
• Rodak believes the Bills should consider the idea of trading McCoy if they allow Taylor to move on.

Dolphins

• Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reports that TE Julius Thomas passed his physical with the Dolphins, which paves the way for the trade with the Jaguars to be completed on March 9.

Jets

• According to Jason Cole, the NFL is unlikely to fine or suspend CB Darrelle Revis under the personal conduct policy, which would eliminate the guaranteed money remaining in his contract, until legal proceedings completed.
• The Jets can, however, attempt to get out of Revis’ $6 million guaranteed by fining or suspending for conduct detrimental to the team, according to Cole.
• Cole doesn’t expect Revis to be placed on Commissioner’s Exempt list based on how the league has handled other cases.
• Ralph Vacchiano takes a look at five free agent cornerbacks who could be options for the Jets this offseason, including the Bills’ Stephon Gilmore, Texans’ A.J. Bouye, Rams’ Trumaine Johnson, Jaguars’ Prince Amukamara, and the Cowboys’ Morris Claiborne.