AFC East Notes: Garoppolo, Pats, Jets, Dolphins

If Jimmy Garoppolo performs well during Tom Brady‘s four-game suspension, the Patriots would reap benefits not only during the 2016 season, but beyond, especially if they can use Garoppolo as a trade chip, writes Charles Robinson of Yahoo! Sports. New England could view Garoppolo as its quarterback of the future, but given that he’s only signed through 2017, he might be more valuable to other clubs than to the Pats. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels could show interest if he lands a head-coaching job next offseason, while Robinson also tosses out the 49ers, Saints, Redskins, and Browns as clubs that might be willing to trade for Garoppolo.

Here’s more from the AFC East:

• Now that Muhammad Wilkerson is under contract for the foreseeable future, the Jets could have a valuable trade asset in fellow defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson — but don’t expect Richardson to be dealt any time soon, opines Darryl Slater of NJ.com. Richardson can be controlled though 2017 via his fifth-year option, and New York could then franchise him in 2018. The club doesn’t figure to engage in extension talks right now, especially given that Richardson is set to be suspended for one game due to a personal conduct violation. But if he proves he’s reliable, Richardson could be the next Jet in line for a long-term contract, or he could be bandied about in trade discussions.
• The Dolphins invested in their defensive line over the spring, signing Mario Williams, Andre Branch, and Jason Jones, but another option might come internally, as Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald hears (Twitter link) that former No. 3 overall pick Dion Jordan looks “brand new.” Yesterday, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported that there’s been no status update on Jordan, who applied for reinstatement in April. Jordan is thought to be dealing with shoulder issues, but if reports are to be believed, it looks he’ll be a full-go for camp, if and when he’s eligible.
• Miami also spent capital on the offensive trenches, and James Walker of ESPN.com (video link) examines whether the Dolphins‘ offensive line can come together as a unit to protect quarterback Ryan Tannehill. With No. 13 overall pick Laremy Tunsil scheduled to start at left guard, the Fins will have four former first-rounders among their front five. And the club has also stockpiled depth, adding veteran options like Jermon Bushrod and Sam Young to handle backup roles.
• Jace Amaro has a decent chance at opening the season as the Jets‘ starting tight end, but the third-year pro needs to work on his blocking, both in the run and pass game, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.com. Amaro missed his sophomore campaign with a shoulder injury, allowing Kellen Davis to step in and start nine games last year. As Roster Resource shows, Gang Green also boasts Wes Saxton, Zach Sudfeld, and Brandon Bostick at tight end.