NFL Notes: Phillip Dorsett, Broncos, Chiefs, Jaguars

Phillip Dorsett

• According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the 49ers, Jets, and Cardinals were among the teams who showed “preliminary interest” in Patriots recently acquired WR Phillip Dorsett when he initially being placed on the trade block.

Broncos

Broncos GM John Elway said he spoke with S T.J. Ward‘s agent, but didn’t discuss an extension or a potential pay cut before they released him.

“I talked to his agent, but knew that we weren’t going to,” Elway said, via Pro Football Talk. “We weren’t going to do that at that point of time.

“I would like to clear another thing up. We did not ask him to take a pay cut either. That was not in any discussions either, so just wanted to make that clear.”

Elway explained that he’s well aware of the fact that players may not agree with this move.

“I will tell you I was in that locker room and I didn’t agree with every move that management made,” Elway said. “You create those relationships in that locker room and it’s important. T.J. was a big part of that, but I can tell you how many friends and people I had cut over my career and didn’t agree with all of them but that’s part of it. I think that they understand, at least I hope they understand, we had to do what we believe is best for the Denver Broncos. This is a situation — when you make tough ones like this they’re not always going to be popular but I think the young guys will step up and play well and fill those shoes very well.”

Chiefs

Chiefs new GM Brett Veach told reporters after their roster cuts were announced that there is no quarterback controversy between Alex Smith and rookie Patrick Mahomes.

“There is no gray area,” Veach said, per Adam Teicher. “Alex is so far advanced from the mental side of things in regard to his ability to read coverages, to shift us out of plays and really play the chess game. He’s so far ahead of where Pat is. I don’t think it’s even close right now.’’

• Veach also said they could still re-sign veteran RB C.J. Spiller before the start of the year. (BJ Kissel)

Jaguars

Jaguars executive VP Tom Coughlin was asked Saturday if he ever considered signing free agent QB Colin Kaepernick.

“No, I didn’t,” Coughlin said, per Ryan O’Halloran. “We did the study and the research and we weren’t interested.”

When asked for an explanation, Coughlin said: “No, I’m not explaining it. I just said what it is.”