NFL Notes: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Patriots, Dolphins & Packers

Ryan Fitzpatrick

Brian Costello of the New York Post writes that the ultimate Bill Belichick “troll move” would before the Patriots to sign free agent QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and use him as Tom Brady‘s replacement during his four-game suspension.

“For Belichick, it would be an ultimate troll move toward the Jets, the franchise he has despised for 15 years,” Costello writes. “If he does not have faith in Garoppolo or in rookie Jacoby Brissett, he might feel the need to add a veteran. Fitzpatrick is the best veteran quarterback available.”

Of course, it’s doubtful New England would be willing to come close to the offer the Jets have made to Fitzpatrick. On top of that, this four-game window will give them a better read on backup Jimmy Garoppolo.

Dolphins

Dolphins LB Kiko Alonso has told the offensive coaching staff that he would be willing to play some tight end, possibly around the goalline, if needed.

“We have good tight ends in Miami, but if the Dolphins need me for a specific play, I can move on that side of the ball,” Alonso said, via ESPN.com. “I’ve already told the coaches that if they want me out there in a goal-line situation, I’m ready to jump into the field. I have some specific plays at hand, but I won’t reveal them.”

• Barry Jackson mentions that undrafted kicker Marshall Koehn enters training camp as a “clear underdog” in the competition with Andrew Franks.
• Tony Pauline tells Jackson that Louisville LB James Burgess and Florida Tech TE Gabe Hughes are the two undrafted rookies in best position to crack the Dolphins’ roster this summer.

Packers

• Rob Reischel of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel mentions that while being second-round pick typically ensures you a roster spot, Packers GM Ted Thompson gave up on former second-round DL Jerel Worthy after two seasons.
• With this in mind, Reischel writes that WR Davante Adams needs a big summer to ensure his spot on the team’s 53-man roster.