Several notable offseason additions have made the AFC East a far more formidable division, making it likely that general managers will continue searching for ways to improve their rosters. Here’s one move each team should make before the season starts:
Buffalo Bills
Add another edge-rusher: With games against Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts, Justin Herbert, Aaron Rodgers, Joe Burrow, and Trevor Lawrence on this season’s schedule, it’s imperative to have an effective pass-rushing unit.
According to ESPN Analytics, Buffalo was a middle-of-the-road team rushing the passer in 2022. Its 43% pass-rush win rate was 11th in the NFL, primarily due to Von Miller’s 23% win rate, the sixth-highest among DEs and OLBs.
Unfortunately, the Bills may experience some regression this season as there’s no set return date for Miller following knee surgery. To compensate for his absence, Buffalo should explore the free agent market for a veteran, and there are plenty of options to consider.
Two-time Super Bowl champion Frank Clark and former No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney are the two most notable names still available. Buffalo saw first-hand what Clark could do in the postseason during its battles with Kansas City over the years. The downside is he’d come at a far higher price than Clowney, who recorded a career-low two sacks last season.
Miami Dolphins
Acquire Vikings RB Dalvin Cook: Running back isn’t a position of need for the Dolphins, having re-signed Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. while also drafting Texas A&M’s Devon Achane in the third round. However, Cook, who has eclipsed 1,300 total yards in each of the last four seasons, would be a significant upgrade, especially if he came at a reasonable price.
Cook’s status with Minnesota remains in limbo as many expect the 27-year-old’s future to be clear after June 1. It would save the Vikings $11 million in cap space if he were traded at that point and $9 million if he were released.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Minnesota wants “to do right by” Cook, and what better way to do that than to facilitate a return to his hometown? The Dolphins inquired about a Cook trade before the draft, but Achane’s selection could eliminate that possibility.
Regardless, considering the running back position’s modest trade value, it’d be worthwhile for the Dolphins to swing a deal for Cook. Should he be released, the always-aggressive GM Chris Grier should be the first to contact the four-time Pro Bowler.
New York Jets
Re-sign DT Quinnen Williams: The Jets made one of the most significant offseason moves in franchise history, trading for future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers; now they face another task in hand. Defensive tackles around the league have earned substantial second contracts, and New York’s star Williams wants to make sure he doesn’t miss out after a 12-sack 2022 season.
Although GM Joe Douglas was “optimistic” about negotiations with Williams last month, the former third-overall pick scrubbed his social media of anything Jets-related last week to expedite the process. As one of the anchors on this up-and-coming Jets team, it feels like a no-brainer to extend Williams.
Based on Spotrac’s calculated market value, the website believes he should receive a four-year, $106.7 million deal, which would make him the second-highest-paid defensive tackle in football.
Tennessee gave Jeffery Simmons a four-year, $94 million extension earlier this offseason, the current second-most lucrative DT contract. Since Williams has more career sacks and tackles than his 2019 draft classmate, it’s only fair that he receives a higher salary.
New England Patriots
Continue to bolster the offensive line: New England needed to address its offensive line after surrendering 41 sacks last season. Rather than pursuing top free-agent tackles Orlando Brown Jr. and Mike McGlinchey, it signed Riley Reiff and Calvin Anderson instead. The two should compete for a starting spot on the right side during training camp, yet neither has shown enough consistency in the past to feel confident in the role.
At this stage of free agency, there are limited options on the market for a tackle, though it would still be wise to take a flier on another depth piece. Having lost Isaiah Wynn to the Dolphins and the release of Yodny Cajuste, the team needs to bring in a tackle with experience in case Reiff or Anderson miss time.
One potential candidate could be 10-year veteran Dennis Kelly, given his history playing under former Patriots linebacker and current Titans HC Mike Vrabel, which might pique Bill Belichick’s interest. As much as Kelly’s season with the Indianapolis Colts may seem underwhelming, he didn’t allow a sack, and he has the versatility of playing both tackle spots.
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