NFL Notes: Jaguars, Jets, Lions, Patriots & Ravens

Jaguars

• Mike DiRocco of ESPN does not think it is realistic to expect LB Von Miller or CB Josh Norman to reach free agency, which shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.
• DiRocco writes that finding a pass-rusher and a free safety are the team’s largest needs this offseason and mentions DE Olivier Vernon, OLB Tamba Hali, DE Robert Ayers, FS Eric Weddle and FS Eric Berry as the top potential targets for Jacksonville.

Jets

• Jets GM Mike Maccagnan said he would like to keep his offensive line group intact, but he would also like to draft a developmental player during the mid- to late-rounds.
• Of the seven lineman that started for the Jets in 2015, Cimini expects Willie Colon to be the lone player to not return for next season.
• Cimini is not ruling out the Jets selecting the an offensive tackle with the No. 20 overall pick and mentions Indiana’s Jason Spriggs and Ohio State’s Taylor Decker as two names to keep an eye on.

Lions

• Mike Rothstein of ESPN says LB Stephen Tulloch, RB Joique Bell and TE Brandon Pettigrew are veterans that could be cut to save cap space.
• Rothstein notes that the Lions would save $11 million in cap if Calvin Johnson elects to retire, so Detroit will likely wait and see what Johnson’s decision is prior to making any roster decisions.
• Rothstein mentions WR Marvin Jones and WR Jermaine Kearse as potential free agent targets should Johnson retire.
• Rothstein considers defensive tackle, defensive end, and wide receiver as the Lions’ largest needs this offseason.

Patriots

• Mike Reiss of ESPN says that running back will be the team’s top priority this offseason and anticipates them adding multiple player at the position through the draft, free agency, or even a trade.

Ravens

• Jamison Hensley of ESPN writes that if the Ravens pursue a big-name free agent, it will likely be a wide receiver.
• Hensley provides the following names as receivers they might target, should they reach the open market this offseason: DeSean Jackson, Vincent Jackson, Victor Cruz and Roddy White.
• Hensley expects the Ravens to use the franchise tag on K Justin Tucker, which will cost them a projected $4,534 million.
• Hensley believes running backs Lorenzo Taliaferro and Terrance West will compete with each other for a roster spot.