AFC Notes: Lee, Marshall, Robinson, Chargers

First-round linebacker Darron Lee is the only remaining unsigned Jets draft pick, and Rich Cimini of ESPN.com examines why that might be the case, noting that players drafted 18th overall or lower in the first round have a little bit of space to negotiate. Lee, selected with pick No. 20, might be arguing for a full guarantee in the fourth year of his rookie contract, as Cimini notes that Ryan Kelly (No. 19 overall) has a full 2020 guarantee, while Josh Doctson (No. 22 overall) only has a partial guarantee. With rookie deals being essentially slotted, minor guarantee disputes are just about the only area for agents to actually negotiate.

More from the AFC…

• Brandon Marshall‘s current contract with the Jets runs through the 2017 season, and while he didn’t give a definitive answer when pressed on whether he could play beyond that, he did acknowledge that he would retire if he didn’t feel the drive to compete any longer. “Some players, they know they don’t got it anymore and their heart is not in it, and they still take the money,” Marshall told Darryl Slater of NJ.com. “That’s taking advantage of your team. I get that it’s a business and get everything you want, but you’ve still got to hold yourself accountable and be accountable to your teammates. When I no longer have it, I’ll walk away.” 
• After Allen Hurns inked a four-year, $40MM extension with the Jaguars last week, fellow receiver Allen Robinson is likely the next in line, according to Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com, who adds that that Robinson could garner $70-80MM over a five-year term. Robinson can’t be extended until after the 2016 season, nor can quarterback Blake Bortles or center Brandon Linder, both of could also be up for long-term deals. Linebacker Telvin Smith, meanwhile, could the be the odd man out, in DiRocco’s view.
• The Chargers‘ offensive line should be better if it’s simply healthier, but relying on oft-injured players to stay healthy is not always a good strategy, as Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com writes. San Diego will count on two players — left tackle King Dunlap and center Matt Slauson — who are already 30 years old and have dealt with various ailments in the past. At center, at least, the Chargers do have a young option in third-round pick Max Tuerk.