AFC Notes: Kenneth Grant, Terrell Williams, Bills, Dolphins, Patriots

Bills

• Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic brings up the pending free agencies of C Connor McGovern, LG David Edwards, DE Joey Bosa, LB Matt Milano, and others when talking about why RB James Cook is yet to be extended.
• Buscaglia notes the lack of wiggle room in their cap situation as of now anyway, and giving pay raises to contributors only further complicates that.
• Because of their need for cap space, Buscaglia names LT Dion Dawkins, CB Taron Johnson and DT Ed Oliver as the most likely restructure candidates but all come with concerns in doing so.
• Buscaglia also brings up TE Dawson Knox, WR Curtis Samuel, S Taylor Rapp, K Tyler Bass and RB Ty Johnson as potential cap casualties to create more space in 2026.

Dolphins

On the defensive side of the ball, Dolphins DL Zach Sieler plans on helping to mentor first-round DL Kenneth Grant.

“I’ll tell any rookies that come in, I’ve told guys over the years that came through here, like, look, like ‘What you did in college is awesome, but like the real show starts now,‘” Sieler said via the Palm Beach Post. “I don’t know if that’s what you worked for your whole life. There’s a whole different level of attitudes now. And like, this is guys’ livelihoods. I mean, these guys have families. These guys have kids that they’re trying to take care of. So, just don’t mess around. Like, it’s time to get real.”

• Dolphins OL coach Butch Barry said the team re-signed OL Liam Eichenberg because of his locker room presence and versatility: “He’s a glue in the room. Does an unbelievable job with the whole room. Doing an unbelievable job with younger players. He’s a leader by nature in terms of how to do the standard of work. He can play a lot of different positions, has multiplicity, and I think that’s very important.” (Alain Poupart)

Patriots

Patriots DC Terrell Williams recently spent time away from the team to deal with a health issue. Williams elaborated on his situation, saying he ignored advice from medical professionals.

“Football is a job that obviously there is some stress involved. Just eating right. Working out. If you’re supposed to take any medication, take it. Like I told the players, we all think we’re invincible,” Williams said, via Mike Reiss. “I think a lot of times, when there are things you can prevent, and you don’t prevent them, that’s just not being smart. That’s what I’ve done the last couple of years, even longer. I’ve ignored doctors. I’ve ignored everyone and just kind of lived my life. While it was fun, I realize you have to take care of yourself. That’s what I’m doing.”

Williams said he’s now in a clear mindset going into their offseason program.

*“Where I am now, my mind is clear. I’m moving around. I’m happy. Everything is good. I’m just looking forward to getting back to Foxborough and seeing everybody...