A few thoughts on the New York Jets and the rest of the AFC East as we prepare for the start of free agency (wink, wink):

1. The Miami Dolphins' reported contract agreement with defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh ($114 million over six years) shines a light on the Jets' suspect guard situation. They will have to do better than Brian Winters and Oday Aboushi if they want to prevent Suh from wreaking havoc twice a year against them. The Jets are showing interest in left guard Mike Iupati, a three-time Pro Bowl selection whose play slipped last season as the San Francisco 49ers got away from their power-running game and gravitated more toward a spread passing attack. The Jets might install a spread under new coordinator Chan Gailey, so you have to wonder if Iupati is a scheme fit.

2. When the Jets' new regime started tossing around quarterback names in January, two names that came up were Sam Bradford and Ryan Fitzpatrick, both under contract with the St. Louis Rams and Houston Texans, respectively. Bradford apparently is staying put, but Fitzpatrick could shake free when the music stops in Houston. The Texans have re-signed Ryan Mallett, and they also could be landing Brian Hoyer, who also is drawing significant interest from the Jets. If Hoyer signs in Houston, as expected, it likely will result in the release of Fitzpatrick. Frankly, I think the Jets would be better off losing Hoyer to the Texans. Fitzpatrick is no savior, but he's better than Hoyer.

3. The Jets need all sorts of help in the secondary. As I noted a few days ago, they are showing interest in Chris Culliver and, as expected, Antonio Cromartie. Cary Williams remains on their radar. The big cornerback prize still belongs to the New England Patriots -- Darrelle Revis. The Jets want him, but the feeling here is he ends up re-signing with the Patriots. We'll see. As expected, the Patriots aren't picking up his $20 million option, as ESPN Insider Adam Schefter reported. It means Revis will be a free agent, but he will continue to negotiate with the Patriots. I wouldn't be surprised if owner Woody Johnson calls Revis the minute he becomes officially free. At safety, they are interested in Ron Parker (Kansas City Chiefs) and Marcus Gilchrist (San Diego Chargers), sources confirmed.

4. The Patriots made a big, big statement, re-signing popular safety Devin McCourty -- a whopping five-year deal for $47.5 million. I'm surprised Bill Belichick went that high for a safety, but it's not good news for the Jets: McCourty has tormented them over the years.

5. Old friend Rex Ryan is having a nice offseason up in Buffalo. He traded for running back LeSean McCoy (and tossed in some extra money to cheer him up) and re-signed pass-rusher Jerry Hughes. Ryan is engaged in a little tug-of-war with the Jets over free-agent running back Bilal Powell. The Bills reportedly want to keep Fred Jackson on a restructured contract. Ryan likes collecting running backs, so it's not a surprise. Remember 2009, when he had Thomas Jones, Leon Washington, and Shonn Greene?