The Patriots and Dont’a Hightower are maintaining positive, productive dialogue, Jeff Howe of The Boston Herald writes. Still, Hightower is intrigued by the idea of finding out his value on the open market, so there remains a real chance that he reaches free agency on March 9. The Pats have not extended a formal, written proposal since last summer.
[RELATED: Find Out Where Dont’a Hightower Ranks On Our Top 50 Free Agents List]
Here’s a look at the latest out of the AFC East:
- The Patriots believe they made a solid offer to Alan Branch this week and the two sides are deep in negotiations, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald tweets. We have Branch rated as the seventh-best interior defender among unrestricted free agents.
- Jets coach Todd Bowles claims Darrelle Revis‘ recent felony arrest was not a factor in the decision to release him (Twitter link via Rich Cimini of ESPN.com). He also says the idea of moving him to safety was discussed, but it doesn’t sound like it was a serious consideration.
- The Dolphins aren’t sure whether safety Isa Abdul-Quddus can take the field in 2017, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald writes. Last year, they signed Abdul-Quddus to a three-year deal with the hope that he could hold down the position. Unfortunately, he suffered a bad neck injury late last season.
- The Jets and 49ers are said to be among the teams with interest in Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor.