T.J. on E.J.: He throws the ball far, I run fast

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Chemistry is easy to create when there isn't another team on the field to impede. It's also easy to create when a trait from one player matches that of another.

Buffalo Bills second-year wide receiver T.J. Graham feels the latter is the reason he and rookie quarterback E.J. Manuel have hit it off so far -- at least in his eyes.

“Well, he throws the ball far and I run fast,” Graham told BuffaloBills.com this week. ”So he just throws it as far as he can and I run underneath it. And that’s pretty good chemistry."

Dolphins swap out some wide receivers

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The top part of the Miami Dolphins' wide receiver depth chart is well-defined with Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson manning the top three spots.

After that, it's wide open.

Armon Binns was the favorite for the No. 4 job until he tore both his ACL and MCL at training camp and was lost for the season. To rejuvenate the positional competition, the Dolphins signed wideouts Keenan Davis and Julius Pruitt. In turn, Binns and fellow injured receiver Jasper Collins were waived.

Jackson's role in run game to be determined

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

C.J. Spiller's breakout performance last season, coupled with a new offensive system, has left fellow running back Fred Jackson's role in the Buffalo Bills' offense a bit of a mystery for the upcoming year.

Heck, even his coach isn't quite sure.

Both backs have stayed healthy heading into training camp, which has been an issue in the past when the coaching staff has tried to incorporate the two into the offense as a unit. The other 'issue' is the explosiveness Spiller showed with nearly every touch last year. With productivity like that, it's hard to not use him in any possible way you can.

Antonio Cromartie's film study on Dee Milliner

BY NICK ST. DENIS

When the New York Jets drafted Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner, veteran Antonio Cromartie acquired some of Milliner's college tape. The kind you watch.

"You always want to be up on the guys that you want bring in, especially a rookie," Cromartie told reporters Monday, via TheJetsBlog. "Being the veteran guy, I have to make sure I try to bring him on as much as I can."

Cromartie was pleased to see Milliner's press ability -- something he expected watching a Nick Saban defense -- as well as his success against the run and his ball skills. Most importantly, Cromartie was able to get a head start on some things he could help Milliner with once the youngster finally took the field with his teammates.

Brady trying not to be the 'grumpy old guy'

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Tom Brady has been around -- 14 years, to be exact.

But the New England Patriots team surrounding the soon-to-be 36-year-old isn't getting any younger, and Monday, he was asked about being patient with those around him considering the experience gap.

"I don’t want to be a grumpy old guy. I think I understand that there’s a learning curve and there’s a patience," Brady told the media. "I think you try to let them know though that there’s an urgency about it, so it’s not like you can afford mistakes. We all make them – I make them myself, I make more than anybody. You’re patient with certain things.

Miller poised for lots of action on pass downs

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Lamar Miller wasn't heavily involved in the Miami Dolphins' passing game during his rookie campaign. That's likely to change.

According to Pro Football Focus, Miller was in on just 56 passing plays in 2012, while first-stringer Reggie Bush saw 243 snaps of that kind and Daniel Thomas 145.

But with Bush gone, Miller looks to be the favorite over Thomas for the bulk of touches and reps moving forward. He's more versatile than Thomas and has shown more potential. His coaches have lauded his progress since being drafted in the fourth round a year and some months ago.

Bills GM says QB choice is totally up to Marrone

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

According to multiple reports from the second day of Bills training camp, rookie E.J. Manuel may have gained some ground on veteran Kevin Kolb in the team's quarterback competition.

One person you can be sure who noticed is coach Doug Marrone.

While the new coach has been spending much of his time with the offensive line thus far, his focus won't be fully diverted from the team's battle under center. In fact, the final say on who ultimately starts Week 1 versus the Patriots will be his decision, and his alone.

Bills still can't elaborate on Mario's foot issue

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Mario Williams sat out of team drills Sunday and wasn't on the field at all Monday for the team's second training camp practice.

Sunday evening, Buffalo Bills coach Doug Marrone said Williams had a "sore foot" and would be evaluated by the team's medical staff. Late Monday afternoon, Marrone still didn't have an update.

“I probably again and I apologize if I miscommunicated it yesterday, but he’s going to be evaluated by our doctors so he’s off campus being evaluated and I have not heard anything or any report back,” Marrone said, via Chris Brown of BuffaloBills.com.

How Jets' safety competition is shaping up

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Dawan Landry was an instant starter the second the New York Jets signed the veteran safety and brother of former Jet LaRon Landry.

The other safety job, however, was expected to be between Josh Bush, Antonio Allen and Jaiquawn Jarrett. That competition is now down to two.

Jets coach Rex Ryan told reporters Monday that Bush is slotted as Landry's backup, leaving Allen and Jarrett to fight over the open gig. Manish Mehta of the NY Daily News tweeted that it "sounds like" Allen is leading the race.

Mankins: It takes 'everything' to beat Wilfork

BY NICK ST. DENIS

New England Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork is one of the best in the game, and his offensive teammates benefit from it.

Sunday, onlookers were treated to some head-to-head battles between Wilfork and the Patriots' offensive linemen, most notably his work against another top-tier player in guard Logan Mankins.

After practice, Mankins talked to reporters about what its like going up against a beastly Wilfork rep after rep.

Jerry's knee or not, Fins' offensive line in flux

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The Miami Dolphins' offensive line apparently isn't built to plug players in and out. When one guy moves, the whole group is shaken up.

Right guard John Jerry went down to a knee injury last week, which began an series of experiments on the Dolphins' starting offensive front over the weekend.

According to Armando Salguero of The Miami Herald, left guard Richie Incognito moved to the right side in Jerry's absence, and rookie Dallas Thomas took over on the left side. Then, center Mike Pouncey was tried at right guard with returner Josh Samuda at center.

Contract in hand, Milliner has catching up to do

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The New York Jets announced the signing of their top rookie, first-round cornerback Dee Milliner, Sunday night.

According to ESPN New York's Rich Cimini, Milliner's new contract is worth $12.66 million -- fully guaranteed -- over four years. With that, Milliner now must prove he's worth it.

The former Alabama defensive back had shoulder surgery in March and was unable to participate in all of the team's offseason workouts. He has a lot of catching up to do.

Bills DE Mario Williams nursing a sore foot

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Mario Williams didn't participate in team drills Sunday evening during the Buffalo Bills' first training camp practice. Coach Doug Marrone later revealed why.

"Mario reported to our athletic training staff that he had a sore foot," Marrone told reporters after practice, according to Tim Graham of The Buffalo News. "So what we wanted to do was hold him out of practice and let our medical staff evaluate him."

Williams didn't elaborate on the injury.

Bills add two to offensive line audition

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The Buffalo Bills are currently auditioning for roles on their offensive line, and the team upped the competition Sunday.

A couple hours before taking the field for their first training camp practice of 2013, the Bills announced the signings of Antoine Caldwell and Tony Hills, most recently of the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts, respectively.

According to the team's website, Caldwell, who has 40 games and 19 starts under his belt, is expected to compete with Doug Legursky and Colin Brown for the starting left guard job. Caldwell was drafted in the third round in 2009.

Fins' would-be No. 4 wideout out for season

BY SEAN DONOVAN

The Miami Dolphins are holding a training camp competition to see which wide receivers will back up their three major signings, Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson.

On Sunday, they lost camp's top performer for the rest of the year.

According to The Miami Herald, third-year player Armon Binns tore both his ACL and MCL during practice, ending his season and thinning out the Dolphins' receiver reserves.

Holmes can't say for sure he'll play at all in '12

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The foot injury that ended Santonio Holmes's 2012 season prematurely was of the worst kind -- a Grade 4 Lisfranc. The injury, which he suffered Week 4, has kept him away from any kind of football activity since.

Holmes was still a no-go as the team kicked off training camp Friday, and he apparently won't be back any time soon. Or at all. (photo: Marianne O'Leary, Flickr)

"I can't answer that," Holmes said Friday when asked if he's sure he'll play this season, via Brian Costello of the NY Post.

Five tasks Jets must complete at camp

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Plenty of jobs are up for grabs as the New York Jets begin training camp.

Here are five tasks the Jets must complete by the end of summer activities:

Pick a quarterback. Incumbent Mark Sanchez is the early favorite to start behind center Week 1, but he's in what the Jets insist is a fair fight over the job with rookie second-rounder Geno Smith. Both quarterbacks are new to offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg's system, though Sanchez has four years of professional experience to lean on. Smith has been touted as a quick learner, and Mornhinweg likely wouldn't have an issue with scaling things back assuming Smith's potential alone is enough to give him the keys right away.

Brady on personnel turnover: 'I'm used to it'

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Four of Tom Brady's top-five receivers from last season are off the current roster, and the one who is still around -- Rob Gronkowski -- likely won't be catching passes until the beginning of the regular season.

But if there's one quarterback who can adapt to a change of that magnitude, it's Brady.

"There’s quite a bit of turnover, like we all know and we’ve seen. I’m used to that," Brady told reporters Thursday. "There’s not many things that I haven’t had to deal with over the course of my time – at tight end or running back or receiver or offensive line.

Report: Byrd won't show to camp this weekend

BY NICK ST. DENIS

In what has become a common theme among NFL teams over the past few years, the Buffalo Bills will begin training camp without arguably their best defensive player.

According to Tim Graham of The Buffalo News, Bills safety Jairus Byrd isn't any closer to signing a contract than he was the last time his name popped up in the news. With that, Byrd won't show up for the start of Bills training camp this weekend.

Buffalo had until July 15 to sign Byrd to a multi-year deal after franchise-tagging him early in the offseason. That deadline came and went.

“We worked very hard to come to a long-term agreement with Jairus, but unfortunately, were unable to reach one before today’s deadline,” Bills general manager Doug Whaley said that evening. “Our attention will now be focused on a one-year agreement with him and on Training Camp with our continued efforts to prepare our team for the upcoming season."

Byrd has yet to sign his $6.9 million tender, so he's not considered a holdout since he's not under contract. However, his salary will be cut into if he doesn't pen his signature by the season-opener.

The Bills, who are learning entirely new schemes on both sides of the ball, finish camp Aug. 21.

In four NFL seasons, Byrd has tallied 18 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles, 308 tackles, 27 passes defensed, two sacks and two defensive touchdowns.

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Brandon Moore not ready to call it quits yet

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Brandon Moore entered free agency in March as one of the top offensive linemen available, but NFL training camps have kicked off this week, and Moore is still without a team.

ESPN contributor Adam Caplan reported early Thursday morning that the former New York Jets guard "is expected to retire" after testing the market to no avail.

However, Moore later disputed the report, texting ESPN New York the following: "I'm in shape (and) ready to go."

Jets sign first-rounder Sheldon Richardson

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Exactly one week ago, the New York Jets had yet to make any of their top three draft picks official.

As of Wednesday night, a majority of the problem had been taken care of.

According to Manish Mehta of the NY Daily News, the Jets signed defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson (No. 13 overall), leaving cornerback Dee Milliner (No. 9) as the only Jets rookie without a contract. New York inked second-round quarterback Geno Smith at the end of last week.

Mornhinweg: Geno ahead of normal rookie pace

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Geno Smith is inherently behind in the battle for the New York Jets' starting quarterback job. According to his offensive coordinator, he's ahead in the rookie race.

Gang Green drafted Smith, the former West Virginia signal-caller, in the second round in April to compete with incumbent Mark Sanchez for the team's first-string gig. Sanchez is the favorite for Week 1, but Smith will have every opportunity to dethrone Sanchez if he struggles out of the gate.

If Smith continues to develop at the rate coordinator Marty Mornhinweg says he's moving at, Smith will be taking snaps from Nick Mangold sooner than later.

With Dolphins, Wallace to 'be inside a little more'

BY SEAN DONOVAN

As the biggest prize of the Miami Dolphins' free agent haul, Mike Wallace is absorbing much of the attention as training camp gets underway -- more specifically, how he's gelling with his new offense and quarterback.

His progress report after four days of practices?

"[My chemistry with Ryan Tannehill] is getting better every day. We're going in the right direction," Wallace said, according to the team's website. "It’s not going to happen overnight.”

Dennard gets green light for training camp

BY NICK ST. DENIS

New England Patriots cornerback Alfonzo Dennard may join his team for training camp -- at least for now.

Dennard was in court in Lincoln, Nebraska Wednesday to find out if he violated his current probation by getting arrested on suspicion of drunken driving earlier this month. As part of a sentence earlier this year that includes 30 days in jail next year, Dennard is currently serving two years' probation for assaulting a police officer in 2012.

According to the Lincoln Journal Star, Dennard was cleared to head to Foxborough for team activities as District Judge Robert Otte determined the conditions of his probation still stand.

Jets bring in Braylon Edwards for a physical

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Well, it's about time.

The New York Jets had spent the offseason occasionally tinkering with different free agent wide receiver options. Some visits were reported, other signings were made. But one development that always seemed to be hanging in the background was the team's interest in bringing back Braylon Edwards.

According to multiple media reports and a tweet by tight end Kellen Winslow, Edwards is in the building.

Joining live drills 'the next step' for Dion Jordan

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Dion Jordan took the practice field with his teammates Tuesday for the first time since being drafted by the Miami Dolphins at No. 3 overall in April.

Jordan, a defensive end out of Oregon who is poised for a pass-rushing specialist role, started training camp on the Non-Football Injury list but was cleared for individual drills by Day 4. He missed OTAs due to an NFL rule that prohibited him from participating while college was in session.

Jordan is coming off shoulder surgery but says he's put the injury behind him and is just glad to be back to a "normal football routine."

Jake Ballard's stock wavering early in camp

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Even before Aaron Hernandez was arrested for murder and while Rob Gronkowski was in the midst of recovering from his fourth surgery in less than a year, Jake Ballard was a potential impact player for the New England Patriots' tight end-friendly offense.

After being signed by the Patriots last year, the former New York Giant spent all of last season recovering from a knee injury he acquired at the end of the team's 2011 campaign, but he's been on schedule for a return to the field at a time when his new team could use the help. (photo: Mike Morbeck, Flickr)

Since the beginning of this offseason, word surrounding Ballard has been mixed.

Folk's camp foe now Cundiff instead of Maher

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

New York Jets kicker Nick Folk got a little breathing room Tuesday, though it didn't last long.

Touted as the frontrunner for the starting placekicker job over rookie Brett Maher, the incumbent Folk saw his competition disappear Tuesday when the team cut the former Husker.

The relief was short lived, however, as Gang Green brought in journeyman Billy Cundiff to battle Folk for the stating spot, according to the team's Twitter feed.

Bills' top edge gig opposite Mario up for grabs

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The Buffalo Bills announced the release of defensive end Mark Anderson Tuesday, 16 months after signing the former New England Patriot to a four-year deal worth more than $20 million.

Anderson's first and only season with Buffalo was underwhelming due to injury issues that limited him to six games. He didn't do much in those six games.

Now, as Chris Brown of BuffaloBills.com notes, the battle for the top edge rusher job opposite Mario Williams -- which is of the DE/OLB hybrid variety in new coordinator Mike Pettine's system -- is down to a pair of new Bills in free agent pickups Manny Lawson and Jerry Hughes. Add newcomer defensive end Jamie Blatnick to the mix.

Pats sign pair of rookie free agent defenders

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The New England Patriots were reportedly set to sign North Carolina Central defensive tackle John Drew Monday but instead added former Michigan State defensive lineman Anthony Rashad White.

According to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun, the Patriots had agreed to terms with Drew, a former Duke defender who was kicked off his first college team for being involved in a gun incident. However, the Patriots ultimately went a different route.

White tallied 65 tackles in three years as a Spartan. He was originally signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers at the end of April but was let go in mid-May.

Laurent Robinson to visit Patriots after Jets

BY NICK ST. DENIS

There's apparently a demand for wide receivers named Laurent Robinson in the AFC East.

Robinson, who signed a lucrative contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars last year after a 54-reception campaign with the Dallas Cowboys in 2011, missed most of last season due to multiple concussions.

The 28-year-old is now a free agent and just trying to find a team that will give him the time of day. The New York Jets gave him a tryout Monday, and the New England Patriots will reportedly host the veteran wideout Tuesday.

Five tasks Patriots must complete at camp

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The New England Patriots kicked off their training camp Sunday. The rookies have already reported, and the veterans are slated to join Thursday.

Here are five tasks the Patriots must complete by the end of summer activities:

Carve an identity on offense. The Patriots' offense has been tight-end heavy the past two years thanks to the All-World tandem of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. But with Hernandez out of the league and in a jail and the uncertainty of Gronkowski's health, Tom Brady won't have the same luxuries in the middle of the field moving forward. Couple that with the departure of the team's leading receiver Wes Welker, and the Patriots have a lot of figuring out to do before the season kicks off. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is plenty capable, and don't be surprised if the Patriots lean substantially on the versatile tailback corps of Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley.

Jets get quarterback Geno Smith under contract

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Quarterback Geno Smith was drafted by the New York Jets in April to compete with incumbent Mark Sanchez for the starting job.

Now, he's getting paid for it.

The Jets announced Monday they signed the second-round signal-caller out of West Virginia. ESPNNewYork's  Rich Cimini reported Smith's deal "will be about $5(million) over four years."

Five tasks Bills must complete at camp

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

The Buffalo Bills officially report to training camp today, with rookies beginning their workouts this week and veterans starting July 28.

Here are five tasks the Bills will look to complete by the start of the regular season:

Absorb Mike Pettine's defensive scheme. The Buffalo defense under Dave Wannstedt was anything but electric last season, failing miserably in the run game and in the turnover department. More importantly, the main complaint of the system was its simplicity, a factor the team hopes to have solved with its new coordinator. Pettine's game plan is based on a mix of formations and is geared toward creating mismatches and confusion across the line. The result is hopefully more pressure on the opposing backfield, but success will rely on whether the team's defensive playmakers (particularly its veterans) can adjust to such a fluid, active system.

Egnew still trending away from a roster spot

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Tight end Michael Egnew hasn't been in good graces with the Miami Dolphins' depth chart since entering the NFL as the team's third round pick in 2012.

Not much has changed.

According to Armando Salguero of The Miami Herald, Egnew was taking reps with the third- and fourth-team offenses over the weekend as the Dolphins began training camp. Salguero reported returner Charles Clay and rookie Dion Sims worked behind veteran Dustin Keller.

Like Tannehill, Fins ink Jordan to 'offset' deal

BY SEAN DONOVAN

The Miami Dolphins had eight of their nine draft picks signed before training camp. The final one inked his contract on the day they were all scheduled to report.

The team announced via Twitter that third overall pick Dion Jordan has signed his rookie deal, a four-year contract worth an estimated $20.5 million.

The biggest point of emphasis during negotiations and the reason for the delay, according to multiple reports, was the team's insistence on including offset language in Jordan's deal, a battle the team ultimately won, according to Fox Sports' Mike Garafolo.

Five tasks Dolphins must complete at camp

BY SEAN DONOVAN

The Miami Dolphins are the first team in AFC East to begin training camp, as their rookies reported Saturday.

Here are five tasks the Dolphins must complete by the end of summer activities:

Get all the unfamiliar names on same page. The Dolphins brought in a number of big-name free agents this offseason, most of which are expected to be starters or major contributors. To make room on the depth chart, many of the team's locker room leaders were cut, traded or not re-signed. It'll be a challenge to integrate all of the newcomers while maintaining a cohesive team atmosphere, both on and off the field. A new, vocal leadership core will need to emerge from the current group of players to help this team realize it's potential.

Rex: 'We're a better team if I'm running the D'

BY NICK ST. DENIS

When Rex Ryan took over the New York Jets in 2009, he inherited a defense that ranked 16th in the NFL and last in the division.

In his first season as Gang Green's head coach and defensive leader, the Jets were ranked No. 1. (photo: Matt Britt, Flickr)

Ryan progressively delegated more defensive playcalling and defensive leadership duties over the past three years to coordinator Mike Pettine, and the unit went on to rank third, fifth and eighth in 2010, 2011 and 1012, respectively. The last three years weren't shabby by any means, but they weren't trending in the direction Ryan would like.

Jones doesn't make it to Patriots training camp

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The New England Patriots are entering training camp with the idea that they'll throw a bunch of wide receivers at the wall and see what sticks.

Former Buffalo Bills wideout Donald Jones was supposed to be a part of that, but now, he won't be. (photo: RX Eman, Flickr)

Jones, who was signed by the Patriots in March, was released by the team Friday. The move corresponds with the Patriots' signing rookie free agents Perez Ashford and Quentin Sims.

Tannehill: QB runs 'always a part of our offense'

BY NICK ST. DENIS

While Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill is a thrower first, the former college wide receiver still has a little runner in him, too.

Tannehill took off on his feet 49 times for 211 yards and two touchdowns in his rookie season. We expect those numbers to increase in 2013.

“It’ll always be a small part of our offense,” Tannehill said Wednesday in conference call with season-ticket holders, via the Palm Beach Post. (photo: June Rivera, Flickr)

LSU QB: It's not like I have Tebow's mechanics

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Everyone knows Tim Tebow's throwing motion is as ugly as it gets.

But the last thing the New England Patriots' third string quarterback needs is a mediocre college player reminding him about it. (photo: ArcticWhirlwind, Flickr)

LSU signal-caller Zach Mettenberger has been less than spectacular in his non-community college career, but the 22-year-old takes solace in the fact that he doesn't have the attributes of a certain media darling NFLer.

Dolphins sign Cris Carter's wideout nephew

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Former NFL wide receiver Cris Carter will be inducted into the Hall of Fame next month. Meanwhile, his nephew will being trying to make the Miami Dolphins' roster.

The Dolphins announced they signed Carter's relative, wide receiver Kenny Stafford, Thursday.

Stafford went undrafted out of Toledo last year before signing with the Atlanta Falcons. He didn't make it through the entirety of training camp and failed to land anywhere else in 2012.

Bills' skill position players battling as a group

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The Buffalo Bills have a stable of young and hungry wideouts, some potential at tight end, a pretty certain offensive backfield and a vet-vs.-rook deal at quarterback.

A mix like that leaves the door open for a variety of possibilities to come out of training camp, and new offensive coordinator Nathanial Hackett isn't about to rule anything out.

While we're keeping a keen eye on who emerges from the wide receiver group, Hackett doesn't have a specific number in mind for how many wideouts the Bills will keep on the final roster. In fact, what players do at other positions could have an impact on the receivers' fates regardless of how they stack up in their respective positional battles.

'Offset language' slowing Jets' rookie signings

BY NICK ST. DENIS

With the New York Jets' rookies slated to report to training camp Monday, Gang Green's top three 2013 draft picks -- cornerback Dee Milliner, defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson and quarterback Geno Smith -- remain without contracts.

Milliner (No. 9 overall) is one of seven top-10 picks yet to be signed, and Richardson was drafted at No. 13 overall, so their lack of contracts at this point aren't necessarily shocking. However, Smith is one of just three second-rounders without a deal.

In total, 28 NFL rookies are without contracts as of Thursday.

Dust off the resume: Dolphins in market for CEO

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Mike Dee was a part of the leadership group that got the San Diego Padres a new ballpark just under a decade ago, so it's fitting that he's leaving the Miami Dolphins in the wake of the Dolphins' failure to get a new venue approved.

And where is he going? Back to San Diego.

Dee announced Wednesday that he's leaving his post as Dolphins CEO to take over the Padres' President and CEO gig.

Hill works out with Cro, Sanchez, and now Geno

BY NICK ST. DENIS

There's no doubt about it -- Stephen Hill wants to get better.

At the request of New York Jets defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman, the now second-year wideout Hill recently traveled to Southern California to work out with Antonio Cromartie and his crew of defensive backs. (photo: Pedro Cambra, Flickr)

Then, Hill joined up with Mark Sanchez and company at Sanchez's "Jets West" camp to get some work in with his fellow skill position players. And most recently, Hill is catching passes from Sanchez's competition for Gang Green's starting signal-caller job.

Texans slate Patriots as their 'Homecoming' game

BY NICK ST. DENIS

In high school, teams typically schedule lesser opponents for their Homecoming games. The Houston Texans skipped that class.

According to the Texans' official website, Houston will have a different theme for each of its 2013 home games. When the New England Patriots come to town in December, it will be "Homecoming."

That'll boost morale.

AFC East proves valuable among world's teams

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Forbes released the 2013 version of its annual "The World's Most Valuable Sports Teams" list Monday.

Thirty NFL teams cracked the top 50, with the New England Patriots the second-most valuable of their kind and the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins making the top half of the list.

The Bills just squeezed in as the second-to-last american football team on the list and rank as the fourth-least valuable organization in the NFL. Here are the rankings:

Aaron Berry: Jets' secondary jobs 'up for grabs'

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Now is as good a time as any for defensive back Aaron Berry to be preparing for his first training camp with the New York Jets.

Gang Green's defense, from a personnel standpoint, is in a major transition. Along with a shakeup in the front-seven, the Jets will have three new starters in their four secondary positions.

"Everything is up for grabs," Berry recently told Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger.

To no avail, Bills 'worked very hard' to sign Byrd

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The stiff deadline Buffalo Bills fans had been anticipating for quite some time now came and went Monday afternoon.

When the Bills slapped safety Jairus Byrd with the franchise tag earlier this offseason, they had until 4 p.m. Monday to sign him to a long-term deal. An extension didn't happen, and now they won't be able to make an official agreement with Byrd until the end of the 2013 season. (photo: LostBob, Flickr)

By then, Byrd could have his sights set elsewhere.

Pounceys stir pot with 'Free Hernandez' hats

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Hats are more newsworthy when they relate to the AFC East.

To the entertainment of Miami Dolphins fans, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick was recently spotted sporting a Dolphins cap. But now, the hat being worn by one of their own isn't so amusing.

In this photo (via Deadspin), Dolphins center Mike Pouncey and his brother, Steelers offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey, are shown at a club in high spirits boasting a pair of caps that read "Free Hernandez."

Leach talks to resume after Ireland's vacation

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The Miami Dolphins and free agent fullback Vonta Leach have been in no rush to strike a deal despite strong mutual interest.

They'll get to it when they get to it, but first things first -- Jeff Ireland needs a breather. (photo: The Brit_2, Flickr)

According to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, Ireland, the Dolphins' general manager, is on vacation. So while head coach Joe Philbin is eagerly awaiting the veteran and former All-Pro back's fate, Ireland won't be doing business until he returns to team headquarters.

Bills' T.J. Graham trying not to be so skinny

BY NICK ST. DENIS

T.J. Graham has carried around the title of "speedster" since coming out of N.C. State last year thanks to his 4.34 40-yard dash time. And also thanks to his frame.

While the majority of NFL wideouts eclipse 6 feet and are heavier than 200 pounds, Graham is currently listed at 5-11, 188. (photo: kdoebler@att, Flickr)

This offseason, he's looking to change that. Graham recently told The John Murphy Show that he's been working with Bills strength and conditioning assistant Dan Liburd to add some bulk via weight training and a specific diet.

Ellerbe, Wheeler talk up Dolphins' offense

BY SEAN DONOVAN

This offseason, the Miami Dolphins made a number of moves to improve their defense, bringing in linebackers Philip Wheeler, Dannell Ellerbe and cornerback Brent Grimes to add some speed and athleticism to the unit.

But so far, those players are mostly singing the praises of the offense they face in practice every day. (photo: Keith Allison, Flickr)

"We have a fast offense, man," Wheeler said recently during a conference call with fans, via the Palm Beach Post. "We have playmakers at receiver. Any one of those guys can break it open at any time.

Ge-No Show: Smith not at Sanchez's 'Jets West'

BY NICK ST. DENIS

There's a slight chance Mark Sanchez won't be the New York Jets' starting quarterback at the beginning of the season, and there's a slightly better chance he won't be at the end.

But until then, he's acting the part. Sanchez's annual pre-preseason camp in California, which is open to Jets skill position players, kicked off this week.

And more, rookie Geno Smith -- Sanchez's direct competition for the first string signal-caller gig -- isn't in attendance.

Dennard gets back in on Pats' off-field drama fest

BY SEAN DONOVAN

The New England Patriots have endured an unusually high amount of off-the-field drama this offseason.

Thursday brought a little more.

According to the Omaha World-Herald, Patriots defensive back Alfonzo Dennard was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in Lincoln, Nebraska early Thursday morning. Dennard reportedly refused a blood-alcohol test after being stopped by police.

Reiss: If healthy, Edelman starts year as No. 2

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Julian Edelman wasn't a lock to return to the New England Patriots' roster when he hit free agency in March. But after re-signing with the team in mid-April, Edelman is already projected to be a big part of the team's offense.

We wrote about Edelman's importance last month, and according to Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston, that importance just might mean a starting gig in what has been one of the league's most high-powered offenses of the past decade.

"I think Edelman is the team's No. 2 receiver on opening day if he is healthy," Reiss wrote Tuesday in his 'Mailbag.' (photo: Beth Hart, Flickr)

Dolphins' rehabbed CB corps looking ready

BY SEAN DONOVAN

The Miami Dolphins overhauled the cornerback position this offseason but had a pair of likely starters coming back from season-ending injuries.

Both players are reportedly recovering well and will be ready for strong 2013 campaigns.

The Miami Herald's Barry Jackson reports that Richard Marshall, who missed the final 12 games of last season with a back injury, and Brent Grimes, the free agent acquisition who tore his Achilles in Week 1 while with the Atlanta Falcons last season, show no ill effects from their respective injuries as the players prepare for training camp.

Jordan: Whatever I have to do to make a play

BY SEAN DONOVAN

The Miami Dolphins surprised almost everyone when they traded up to take Oregon defender Dion Jordan with the No. 3 overall pick in April's draft.

How Dolphins defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle decides to use the athletic former Duck may turn out to be just as much of a surprise.

“He’s mentioned to me numerous amount of times what he’s planning on doing with me, the different types of schemes that the defense allows me to line up and do different types of things,” Jordan recently told The Finsiders. “He’s a very exciting guy.”

New book out about the Brothers Gronkowski

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Rob Gronkowski is entertaining on and off the field. Chances are, his four brothers are, too.

Author Jeff Schober, who makes his home nearby Gronkowski's in the Buffalo area, released his newest book, "Growing Up Gronk," Tuesday. The book is about, well, growing up Gronk. (photo: WBUR, Flickr)

The All-World New England Patriots tight end Gronkowski is the son of Gordie, a former college football player, and the brother of two other pro football players (Dan and Chris), a pro baseball player (Gordie Jr.) and a college football player (Glenn).

Gragg, Manuel using extra time to get in sync

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

While the Buffalo Bills' defense has been plugging along this offseason without its key playmaker Jairus Byrd, the offensive unit has had ample time together to get acclimated.

Except for the crux of the tight end crew, that is.

Despite his remarkably fast recovery, first-string tight end Scott Chandler has still missed a legitimate amount of time with his two new quarterbacks to date. The same goes for Lee Smith and Mickey Shuler, who each missed time this offseason, as well.

Milliner looking forward to picking off McElroy

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Dee Milliner was a true freshman at Alabama in 2010 when then-senior Greg McElroy was the starting quarterback.

Milliner, however, started 11 of 13 games as a newbie, which likely gave him plenty of reps going against McElroy in practice. After being selected by the New York Jets in the first round of this year's draft, the cornerback will have another opportunity to face off with McElroy, who was taken by Gang Green in the seventh round in 2011.

“I’ve been messing with Greg, telling him I’m going to pick off a couple of passes from him in training camp,” Milliner recently told the Times Daily in Northwest Alabama.

Brandon Fields hopes for zero punts this year

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

At 29 years old, Miami Dolphins punter Brandon Fields may be in the prime of his career. But if he has his way in 2013, he won't boot a single football.

The veteran leg visited The Finsiders crew recently to talk about Miami's offseason moves, namely its top offensive signings.

With the likes of Mike Wallace, Brandon Gibson and Dustin Keller entering into the mix, coupled with the anticipation surrounding quarterback Ryan Tannehill's second season under center, Fields said that the atmosphere and attitude in South Florida has certainly shifted from years past. (photo: Zruda, Flickr)

Kaepernick on Dolphins hat: 'I'll wear what I want'

BY NICK ST. DENIS

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick was recently spotted walking around in public with a Miami Dolphins hat on.

And Friday, after pictures emerged of Kaepernick sporting the cap, the third-year signal-caller apparently (and understandably) took flak from some 49ers fans. Par for the course, right?  (Photo: Mark Runyon | Football Schedule)

Maybe. But instead of letting the likely short-lived uproar roll on by, in thin-skinned and naive fashion, Kaepernick decided to fire back at those questioning him.

Patriots' Hernandez jersey swap is this weekend

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The New England Patriots swiftly released Aaron Hernandez late last month when he was arrested in connection with a homicide. Hernandez was quickly charged with murder later that day, and the Patriots immediately began wiping their hands clean of the former star tight end.

Within minutes, Hernandez was off the team's official online roster, and the organization didn't waste any time beginning the process of weeding out his presence among the fans.

Saturday and Sunday, the Patriots are offering fans an opportunity to trade in their Hernandez jerseys for another player's, as long as the original purchase was made at the Patriots ProShop, where the exchange will take place, or PatriotsProShop.com.

Reshad Jones has sights set high for his encore

BY SEAN DONOVAN

One of the few positives the Miami Dolphins took from their 2012 campaign was the emergence of safety Reshad Jones, who led the team in interceptions and became a force in both run defense and coverage.

Now, the fourth-year defensive back looks to prove he wasn't a one-year-wonder.

“I got the ball rolling in the right direction and I just told myself I want to be recognized as one of the premiere safeties in this league," Jones said recently, according to the team's website. "I think last year I went out and showed that to the world and I just want to keep it going.”

Bills' DT Carrington expecting 'breakout season'

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

It's been three years since the Buffalo Bills selected Alex Carrington out of Arkansas State in the draft. The defensive tackle thinks Year 4 will be the year he shows the league why. (photo: Doug Kerr, Flickr)

Since his third-round selection in 2010, Carrington has been stout contributor to the team's defensive line -- when given the opportunity. Despite participating in only 37 percent of the regular season snaps, Carrington has amassed four sacks, six pass breakups and a forced fumble.

His proficiency hasn't been lost on newly appointed defensive line coach Anthony Weaver, who's seen solid form and untapped talent from the 26-year-old since his arrival.

Camp Cro remains open to Jets' defensive backs

BY NICK ST. DENIS

It's not T-shirt official like Mark Sanchez's "Jets West," but it's just as serious.

This summer, New York Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie has hosted his fellow defensive backs for training sessions at Proactive Sports Performance in Southern California, and he'll continue to do so until the team meets for training camp in Cortland, NY at the end of July. (photo: Jeané Coakley, Twitter)

Our friend Jeané Coakley of SportsNet New York was at "Camp Cro" last week to shoot a set of features which begin airing on SNY's Jets Nation Sunday night, and she was kind enough to share some details on what's going on out there.

Chandler out to prove he's 'the guy' for Bills' QBs

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

At 6-foot-7, 260 pounds, tight end Scott Chandler is as reliable (and as deadly) over the middle as any of the Buffalo Bills' receivers. Now he's just trying to prove it to a new signal-caller.

In 2011, 65 percent of his 389 receiving yards came in the center of the field, and in 2012, that rate was nearly identical with an increase in receptions and yards. (photo: Doug Kerr, Flickr)

That presence in the middle gave the not-so-reliable Ryan Fitzpatrick a sure-handed option he could count on; Fitz's numbers were dramatically better the past two years when he was throwing in Chandler's direction.

Marrone 'satisfied' with Bills' depth at cornerback

BY NICK ST. DENIS

In a Buffalo Bills defense that is expected to improve under new coordinator Mike Pettine, cornerback remains a question.

New Bills coach Doug Marrone is confident there will be answers sooner than later. (photo: Angelina Purpura, Flickr)

“I am (satisfied) with the depth there,” Marrone recently told Buffalobills.com. ”I think we have competition there. I think Stephon Gilmore had a great spring camp. He’s done a really nice job. I’m looking forward to seeing who that third or fourth corner is."