EAST RUTHERFORD (NJ) -- We are on site this week with the defending Super Bowl Champion NEW YORK JETS as the team heads closer to beginning their title defense.
With an under-the-radar signing this week of recently released WR/KR Jakeem Grant, the Jets now possess a skill position unit that could arguably field a pair of Olympic 4x100 relay teams.
Tyreek Hill, Braxton Miller, Tavon Austin, Jamison Crowder, the afore-mentioned Grant, and not-to-mention their QB2 Lamar Jackson are all burners that head coach Todd Bowles plans to utilize often.
"It's all about stretching the field for us," Bowles said. "We were in a fortunate situation this offseason to legitimately reload for the title defense."
With the speed on the outside coupled with Rob Gronkowski and Tyler Eifert slicing defenses apart in the middle, look out for this offense to make a name for itself alongside their already feared (and known) defensive counterparts.
Now, for the rest of the AFC East:
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
With a deluge of talent in the safety room at Patriots place, Bill Belichick will have some potentially unhappy players once his final depth chart is released prior to Week #1.
First round pick Derwin James has been as advertised during these early weeks in August. But with returners Tre Boston, Morgan Burnett, Xavier Woods, and Marcus Williams all fighting for playing time, Belichick will be tasked with finding creative ways to get all five on the field.
"We have packages that use the strengths of all our players," Belichick said. "You can never predict injuries. We are constantly looking to bring in new talent."
MIAMI DOLPHINS
The purge of bad contracts continued last night as news was released that the team had parted ways with DE Andre Branch and S TJ McDonald. The cuts cost the Dolphins over $17 million in dead cap (Branch's contract was fully guaranteed, but the 9th year pro had been running with the third team).
"We want to retain the best players and those who can help us turn this thing around," Adam Gase said. "It's up to our bookkeepers to help keep us on track financially - I refuse to coach around contracts."
Miami's roster is getting younger by the day and the team seems willing to let their youth take their lumps in game action once the regular season rolls around.
BUFFALO BILLS
As Aaron Rodgers gets closer to signing his contract extension, the team also informed HB Todd Gurley that he most likely will not get a new contract by the end of this season. The Bills are unwilling to re-define the HB market despite the rare talent that is Gurley.
"He's amazing," Sean McDermott said. "But this is a business. We have him this year and can keep working with him through 5th year options and franchise tags. Todd's a pro and will play hard for us."
The team has also been in talks with future Hall of Famer Geno Atkins to find a way for him to end his career in the Blue and Red.
