It was a busy day for general managers in the AFC East Tuesday, as all four teams were drafting contracts, new and old, ahead of the trade deadline Oct. 28. Here's what went down:
New York Jets
Gang Green signed wide receiver Jeremy Kerley to a four-year, $16 million extension, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com. The 25-year-old, who's tallied close to 1,900 yards receiving and seven touchdowns since his fifth-round selection in 2011, told the team's website that, "Being a Jet is something I'm truly proud of. They gave me an opportunity and took a chance on me. I just feel like it was pretty much love at first sight."
New England Patriots
The Patriots snagged linebacker Akeem Ayers from the Tennessee Titans for a late-round draft pick in 2015, according to the AP. The trade brings Ayers, along with a seventh-round pick next year, to New England for the Pats' sixth-round selection, pending a physical. For more on how Ayers could contribute within New England's thin linebacking corps, see Mike Reiss's analysis here.
New England is also reportedly making some moves along their defensive line, according to the Boston Globe's Shalise Manza Young. Following a report that defensive end Chandler Jones could miss a month due to a hip injury, the team is reportedly in talks to bring on former Buffalo Bills lineman Alan Branch on a one-year deal. Branch was cut by the Bills following a DUI arrest toward the end of training camp.
Miami Dolphins
The 'Phins made some moves to their practice squad Tuesday, signing wide receiver LaRon Byrd and re-signing defensive tackle Deandre Coleman. Coleman was part of the 53-man roster up until last Saturday, when he was cut to make room for some cornerback/special teams help in Lowell Rose.
Byrd spent time most recently with the Cleveland Browns before signing in Miami, where he played one game this season before his release earlier this month. Before that, the 25-year-old was in Dallas and Arizona.
Buffalo Bills
As we mentioned earlier, following news of C.J. Spiller's designation to the IR-Return list, the team signed former Dallas Cowboys running back Philip Tanner. For the complete story, click here.
