AFC East Notes: Patriots, Sherman, Talib

Cornerbacks Richard Sherman and Aqib Talib would be receptive to the idea of joining the Patriots, a source tells Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald. Both players are under contract, but it’s possible that the Seahawks could trade Sherman and Talib is a trade/release candidate for the Broncos due to his $11MM cap number in 2018.

Given that Sherman and Talib are both after a second Super Bowl ring, it’s no surprise to hear that they would both be intrigued by the possibility of joining up with the Pats. Both players are under contract, but it’s a situation to watch, particularly since Seattle is in the bottom third of the league in cap space.

Here’s more from the AFC East:

  • The Jets have yet to approach cornerback Buster Skrine about taking a pay cut for the 2018 season, Darryl Slater of NJ.com hears. Skrine is slated to carry an $8.5MM cap figure with a $6MM salary. When asked about the possibility in December, Skrine seemed to ball at the idea of taking a trim. “What’s my cap, 8.5 next year?” said Skrine, who turns 29 in April. “So I’m expecting 8.5. I don’t think any player goes into thinking if they’re taking a pay cut. I feel like I’ve been doing well and playing at a high level for what they ask me to do. I’ve just got to continue to play the way I’m playing.” Last year, Skrine ranked as Pro Football Focus’ No. 85 ranked corner. For what it’s worth, PFF’s metrics have never been high on him and his 65.7 overall score from ’17 was actually a career best.
  • Free agent center Travis Swanson has generated the most interest from the Jets and Dolphins, a source tells Howe (Twitter link). Swanson is eligible for free agency for the first time in his career after spending the last four seasons with the Lions. The 2014 third-round pick has 53 appearances with 42 starts to his credit. Jets starting center Wesley Johnson and reserve Jonotthan Harrison are both headed towards free agency in March. The Dolphins have Mike Pouncey as their starter, but they could be looking as Swanson as a reserve option.
  • Patriots free agent tackle Nate Solder wants to continue playing, despite some recent hardship in his family.
  • The Bills are not giving up on the idea of re-signing cornerback E.J. Gaines, even after signing Vontae Davis.
View Comments (5)