NFL Notes: Jets, Patriots, & Steelers

Jets

• Rich Cimini of ESPN writes that the Jets will have the resources to be “major players” next offseason.
• The Jets will pick up DE Sheldon Richardson‘s fifth-year option, but should still have plenty of flexibility to make some big upgrades.
• On top of that, they could end up recouping three compensatory picks after losing DT Damon Harrison, RB Chris Ivory and LB Demario Davis.
• Cimini believes the team’s current defensive personnel is actually better suited for a 4-3 base defense.
• Even if HC Todd Bowles sticks with his 3-4 defense, he could employ more hybrid sets in 2016, according to Cimini.
• In regards to free agent QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, Cimini writes that the situation may not be resolved until something happens with 49ers Colin Kaepernick.

Patriots

Drew Rosenhaus, the agent for Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski, wouldn’t comment on his clients contract situation on Sunday when asked if Gronk was dissatisfied with his current deal.

“Not talking about that, I appreciate you asking but not getting into that,” said Rosenhaus, via Tom Curran of CSNNE.com.

Gronk previously indicated that he was essentially taking a pay cut after the Patriots picked up his option, which keeps him under team control through the 2019 season.

While the Patriots have other more pressing contracts to address, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, it’s still possible that they could approach Gronkowski about a new deal before his current the agreement up.

Steelers

• Steelers GM Kevin Colbert said there was never a thought about cutting ties with WR Martavis Bryant following his recent one-year suspension. Although, Colbert did say that the ball is in his court now. (Mark Kaboly)
• Colbert mentioned that after they focused on the offensive side of the ball in free agency, they are likely to target defensive upgrades in the draft. (Mark Kaboly)
• According to Colbert, both he and HC Mike Tomlin have been “tracking” the top cornerbacks in this year’s draft class and attended their pro days. (Gerry Dulac)
• The Steelers will visit Houston’s William Jackson III this week. (Gerry Dulac)
• In regards to drafting a corner, Colbert said: “Can’t say we’ll take a cornerback first, second or third. But there are enough that we should be able to get one.” (Gerry Dulac)
• Colbert was non-committal about CB Cortez Allen‘s future with the team, saying: “We’re still trying to determine where he is from a health standpoint.” (Gerry Dulac)