Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Bills

Bills CB Taron Johnson told the media he plans to take on a more vocal leadership role after signing an extension with the team this offseason, especially after the team has moved on from several veteran defensive backs who helped Johnson get to where he is.

“I love Buffalo,” Johnson said, via video conference. “Treat me like family here. I love the guys I play with, I love the guys they’ve brought here. I have to be more vocal this year. Whatever it takes.”

Dolphins

  • PFN’s Adam Caplan has the details on the pay cut Dolphins LT Terron Armstead accepted. He was initially owed $13.25 million in base salary. That was dropped to the minimum of $1.21 million, with Armstead getting a $7.3 million signing bonus. 
  • In total, Armstead can earn $17 million in 2024 when factoring in his salary, the signing bonus, $1.5 million in per-game roster bonuses and incentives tied to playing time and making the Pro Bowl, per Caplan. 
  • Caplan adds the final two years of Armstead’s deal in 2025 and 2026 were not changed. 
  • Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel and GM Chris Grier were at the Texas pro day specifically to see TE Ja’Tavion Sanders. (Tony Pauline)

Patriots

  • According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Patriots OL Michael Onwenu is expected to be the starting right tackle “moving forward.”
  • According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the Patriots have had preliminary discussions with veteran OLB Matt Judon about extending his deal. 
  • Reiss notes Patriots director of scouting Eliot Wolf‘s familiarity with TE Austin Hooper and LB Sione Takitaki from his time with the Browns helped bring the two to New England. He was a big proponent of Takitaki in particular. 
  • Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer says the Patriots have shown “zero appetite” in trading down from No. 3 overall so far in the process.
  • New Patriots RB Antonio Gibson isn’t going to settle for a role just as a third-down back: “I’m not just here to take the back seat.” (Doug Kyed)

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Mavericks come from behind to down Thunder, take 2-1 series lead
Stars continue road dominance with Game 3 win over Avalanche
Watch: Paul Skenes wastes no time showing why Pirates drafted him No. 1 overall
Watch: Braves were one out away from first no-hitter in 30 years
Roman Wilson hopes to become Steelers' next 'great' WR
Chargers sign veteran edge-rusher
Justin Allgaier dominates at Darlington for first win of 2024
'Great mind': One-time NBA champion endorses candidate for Lakers HC job
Celtics respond with impressive road win vs. Cavaliers in Game 3
Hurricanes' power play finally comes through with season on the line
Watch: An outstanding first half by Donovan Mitchell keeps the Cavaliers alive in Game 3 vs. Celtics
Tigers lose veteran starting pitcher to injury
Watch: Minor league baseball game interrupted by turtle delay
Paul Skenes experiences the Pirates' incompetence in just one game
Rangers ace continues to be plagued by nerve irritation in thumb
Cowboys hint at timeline for extension talks with offensive star
Steelers first-round pick has already 'apologized' to new locker mate
Former Packers WR makes bold prediction about Jordan Love
Broncos release former Super Bowl champion WR
Nationals had 'substantive discussions' with former top prospect about extension