Willie Colon expects Jets to oust Mike Goodson

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The New York Jets have yet to make a move regarding running back Mike Goodson, who was recently arrested on weapons and drug charges.

One of Goodson's new teammates -- and no, not an anonymous one -- told the NY Daily News Saturday that Goodson won't be a Jet for long. (photo: June Rivera, Flickr)

"It's one of the things where it's zero-tolerance with stuff like that," offensive lineman Willie Colon said. "It's sad. Mike could have been huge for us."

Patriots' reserve TEs poised for meaningful snaps

BY SEAN DONOVAN

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski's offseason has gone from bad to worse.

Not long after learning he would need a fourth surgical procedure on his left forearm, Gronkowski found out he would "probably" need surgery on an injured disc in his back, according to a report by ProFootballTalk.com. (photo: Jack Newton, Flickr)

The All-Pro tight end is seeking a second opinion from spine specialist Robert Watkins.

Whaley on Manuel: 'This guy has a presence'

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Doug Whaley took command of the Buffalo Bills Thursday via his promotion to general manager, and he thinks his new quarterback is plenty capable of taking command of their offense.

"When you spend two minutes with the guy, you know this guy has a presence," Whaley said. of E.J. Manuel. "He has a presence on and off the field. (photo: Dave Wilkinson, Flickr)

"We are excited for everything EJ brings to the table, as well as the rest of our draft class. We think the sky is the limit."

Dolphins' returner Thigpen setting lofty goals

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Marcus Thigpen returned a kick and a punt for touchdowns last season. He's hoping that's just the start.

Thigpen, a former Canadian Football Leaguer and second-year NFLer, has his sights set high for what he hopes is an illustrious career in the big leagues. (photo: June Rivera, Flickr)

“My goal is to get at least seven returns for touchdowns on kick returns and punt returns combined,” Thigpen told MiamiDolphins.com recently. “I want to do something that’s never been done before and anything’s possible."

Smith: Sanchez sucks; Mark: I wish him success

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith doesn't think much of Mark Sanchez. Sanchez doesn't think much of it.

Wednesday, Smith took a shot at the New York Jets' much-maligned quarterback. "He sucks," Smith told a Charlotte radio station. "I wouldn't let Mark Sanchez throw me a paper bag sandwich." (photo: Mark Runyon | Football Schedule)

Thursday, Sanchez was asked about Smith's comments. Sanchez took took the high road.

Drafted rookie signings in the division so far

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The Buffalo Bills have signed six of their eight draft picks, most recently second-round linebacker Kiko Alonso. Only first-round quarterback E.J. Manuel and second-round receiver Robert Woods remain without a deal. (photo: Neon Tommy, Flickr)

Fourth-round linebacker Jelani Jenkins is the Miami Dolphins' highest pick signed, with a defensive back and a kicker being the only other two under contract so far.

Safety Duron Harmon, the New England Patriots' second of two third-rounders, was the first drafted rookie to sign with the team.

As for the New York Jets, Gang Green has a crop of offensive big men signed, led by third-round guard Brian Winters and two other late-round lineman, as well as a fullback.

Two AFC East teams, zero snaps for Garrard

BY NICK ST. DENIS

David Garrard fell just short of the regular season last year during his stint with the Miami Dolphins. That was a lot further than he got with the New York Jets.

Garrard, who signed with the Jets in March, has reportedly opted to retire from football thanks to a nagging knee injury. (photo: Paul Robinson, Flickr)

Entering the 2012 preseason, Garrard was the favorite to win the Dolphins' starting job over rookie Ryan Tannehill and incumbent Matt Moore. With the Jets, Garrard had reasonable competition for the No. 1 gig in the much-maligned Mark Sanchez and rookie Geno Smith.

No Love: Patriots cut another key cog on D-line

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

The hits just keep on coming for the New England Patriots' defensive line this week, as yet another roster spot opened up for the second time in three days.

This time, it was at the expense of fourth-year interior lineman Kyle Love. (photo: Jeffrey Beall, Wikimedia)

Love's agent, Richard Kopelman, said Wednesday that the tackle was being released under the non-football injury designation, alluding to Love's Type-2 diabetes diagnosis as the reason.

Stevie has taken notice of Bills' speedy additions

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

When Stevie Johnson was asked Wednesday just how impressed he was with the speed that the team has brought in at the wide receiver position, he summed it up in one word: "Very."

The Buffalo Bills surrounded the No. 1 receiver with speedsters this offseason, which could dramatically alter the look of the team's passing game from a year ago. (photo: Matt Britt, Flickr)

Headlining that group is former track star Marquise Goodwin, who ran a 4.27 in the 40-yard dash at the Combine and said recently he's 100 percent committed to football.

Wallace expects quick chemistry with his new QB

BY SEAN DONOVAN

The Miami Dolphins added a talented, and expensive, weapon to their offense when they signed wide receiver Mike Wallace earlier this offseason.

The success of that move depends entirely on the wideout's ability to gel with his new quarterback Ryan Tannehill. After having the chance to work together, Wallace doesn't think it'll take long at all to develop chemistry with the young signal-caller. (photo: June Rivera, Flickr)

“[It] won't take as much time as people think," Wallace said, according to The Miami Herald's Barry Jackson. "By the time we get to training camp, we’ll be fine. We throw two to three times after practice every day.”

Rex's grip on defense doesn't bother Thurman

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Dennis Thurman says he doesn't care who gets the credit.

Thurman was named the New York Jets' defensive coordinator following the January departure of Mike Pettine, who bolted for the Buffalo Bills in an effort to shake Rex Ryan's shadow. (photo: Matt Britt, Flickr)

With that, Ryan has re-taken a firm grip on the Jets' defense, and Thurman is more than happy to let the defensive guru do his thing, even at the expense of his own recognition.

Thomas: 'Nobody has leg up' for top tailback job

BY SEAN DONOVAN

After letting Reggie Bush leave in free agency this offseason, the Miami Dolphins will have a new starting tailback in 2013.

Common perception is that second-year back Lamar Miller, who possesses a similar skillset to Bush, is the odds-on favorite to take the majority of the carries in the Dolphins' offense. (photo: June Rivera, Flickr)

But Daniel Thomas, Miami's most experienced running back, doesn't see why people think Miller has a leg up on the competition.

E.J. Manuel's presence 'doesn't scare' Kevin Kolb

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Before joining the Buffalo Bills, Kevin Kolb was well-aware the team wanted to take a quarterback early in the 2013 NFL Draft.

"I knew it was in the plans," Kolb said Tuesday. Obviously, he signed regardless.

So as the veteran signal-caller took the field alongside first-rounder E.J. Manuel for the first time this week, Kolb put any worry that he isn't the eventual starter aside. (photo: AZKodiak, Flickr)

Shane Vereen focusing on injury-free third year

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Third-year running back Shane Vereen's chance at a significant role in the offense this season is looking better and better by the day.

Now he just has to stay healthy.

As New England's second round pick in  2011, Vereen has yet to see much time on the field. According to Pro Football Focus, he was involved in 19 percent of the team's overall offensive snaps last season and only 26 total snaps his rookie season.

Pouncey on Martin: 'Left tackle is his position'

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Prior to the 2013 offseason, the Miami Dolphins were expected to acquire a left tackle in free agency or early in the draft if they were to lose Jake Long. That idea is long gone.

Miami seemingly will leave second-year tackle Jonathan Martin, who filled in for the injured Long down the stretch last season after starting at right tackle, with the responsibility of protecting second-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill's blindside.

At least one Dolphin -- the team's best offensive lineman -- is confident Martin will be OK.

Pats release part-time starter Brandon Deaderick

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Brandon Deaderick wasn't a star last year, but he was a rising contributor who played a relatively important role for the New England Patriots.

Whatever the case may be, it wasn't enough. New England announced Monday it released the rotational defensive lineman. (photo: Jeffrey Beall, Flickr)

Deaderick tallied two forced fumbles and a sack in the second half of last season, and according to CSNNE.com, he was on the field for 48 of New England's 72 defensive snaps in its AFC Championship loss.

Patriots add depth at guard with Green signing

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Thanks to stellar coaching and leadership by offensive line guru Dante Scarnecchia, the New England Patriots' front has been one of the most consistent in the NFL for years.

Scarnecchia was given another tool to work with Monday when the team signed former San Diego Chargers guard Tyronne Green. Green's agents announced the move via Twitter.

Green took over for the retired Kris Dielman last season, starting in all 13 games he appeared in. (photo: Jack Newton, Flickr)

Nix relieves himself of Bills' GM responsibilities

BY NICK ST. DENIS

It was only a matter of time before Buddy Nix left his post as the Buffalo Bills' general manager. Monday, it happened.

Nix, who will now be tabbed as the next general manager's "Special Assistant," said in a statement that it was the "right time" for him to step down. (photo: BuffaloBills.com)

"By the 'right time' I mean I think we have a good young roster, an excellent head coach with a good staff, and it's time to let someone else handle these responsibilities and move forward together," he said, via the team's website. "Timing is the main thing, but there are other benefits as well.

Jets add another kicker to challenge Folk for job

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The New York Jets have a history of challenging their incumbent kickers and punters with competition in camp. Nick Folk is no exception.

A month after signing Derek Dimke to push Folk in re-earning his job, Gang Green added another boot in undrafted Nebraska product Brett Maher Sunday.

Maher's agent, Robert Roche, announced the news on Twitter. (photo: Marianne O'Leary, Flickr)

Tannehill: Mike Wallace is as fast as advertised

BY SEAN DONOVAN

The Miami Dolphins signed wide receiver Mike Wallace this offseason to infuse some speed into their offense, which ranked 26th in passing a year ago. (photo: Doug Butchy, Flickr)

After working out with Wallace recently, Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill has already seen how dangerous his new wideout can be.

“Everything I heard about him coming in has proved to be true – he’s as advertised,” Tannehill said, according to The Miami Herald's Barry Jackson. “He’s the fastest guy I’ve ever thrown to. It’s exciting.”