AFC East Notes: Garoppolo, McCoy, Jets

Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will continue to be one of the most-discussed players this offseason until he’s either traded or New England officially decides to keep him, and Ryan Hannable of WEEI.com expects Garoppolo rumors to heat up even more this week. For the first time this offseason, the entire NFL will be in the same place at the NFL combine, which begins Wednesday, and as Hannble writes, the foundation for a future trade is often laid at the combine. While it is highly unlikely a trade will be consummated this week, we could start to get more of an idea of which teams are truly interested in trading for Garoppolo and what the Pats might realistically seek in return.

Now for more out of the AFC East:

• Mike Reiss of ESPN.com believes receiver Michael Floyd could return to the Patriots, who claimed him off waivers in mid-December, but despite Floyd’s tantalizing physical ability, Reiss does not think New England will get into a competitive situation to retain him. Floyd will likely be suspended for at least two games as a result of his recent DUI, and he struggled to get on the same page with Tom Brady during his brief tenure in New England. He was a healthy scratch in Super Bowl LI.
• LeSean McCoy set off alarm bells in Buffalo this morning — probably unintentionally — with an Instagram post that said “Buffalo was so special … thanks for everything.” Multiple sources later clarified that the Bills running back simply meant that he appreciated his time at an autograph signing in Buffalo on Saturday, and that he was heading back home. However, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk speculates that McCoy could still be cut, as his running style may not mesh with new OC Rick Dennison‘s one-cut zone scheme. Buffalo would save only $1MM against the cap by releasing him this year, but they could create more savings and spread out the dead money hit of $7.875MM if they designate him a post-June 1 release.
• Rich Cimini of ESPN.com writes that the Jets now have the leverage in contract talks with Darrelle Revis, as Revis’ poor 2016 season and his pending criminal charges have forced the longtime star to admit that he is willing to take a pay cut to remain in New York. But Cimini writes that the team may simply look to release Revis, regardless of how much of a discount he is willing to accept.
• In the same piece, Cimini writes that Geno Smith‘s leaving the Jets in free agency is not the sure thing that many assume, as Smith fits the description of a low-cost veteran signal-caller with starting experience that New York may be looking for, and a recent cryptic tweet from Smith has fueled speculation that he could be back. However, Cimini still believes the two sides will part ways in 2017.
• Wesley Johnson is expected to take over as the Jets‘ starting center following the release of Nick Mangold, but Darryl Slater of NJ.com suggests a few alternatives. Slater names Joe Hawley and Stefen Wisniewski as potential free agent targets and Ethan Pocic, who is regarded as one of the best centers in the draft, as a potential rookie replacement.
• Now that the Dolphins addressed their tight end position with the acquisition of Julius Thomas — though the team is still interested in bringing back Dion Sims, who is a much better blocker than Thomas — James Walker of ESPN.com looks at Miami’s remaining needs. In Walker’s view, the Dolphins now need to turn their attention to reinforcements at linebacker, guard, and defensive end.miami