The first waves of free agency have come and gone and now it’s time to look at what teams have gained and lost since March 18th and where they stand as they prepare for the upcoming draft. Let’s start with the AFC East.
Buffalo Bills
Key acquisitions: WR Stefon Diggs, CB Josh Norman, LB A.J. Klein, DE Mario Addison, DT Vernon Butler, DT Quinton Jefferson, OL Daryl Williams, LB Tyler Matakevich, RB Taiwan Jones, CB E.J. Gaines
Re-signed: G Quinton Spain, WR Isaiah McKenzie
Departures: DE Shaq Lawson (Dolphins), DT Jordan Phillips (Cardinals), LB Lorenzo Alexander (retired), CB Kevin Johnson (Browns)
Remaining free agents: RB Frank Gore, DT Corey Liuget, S Kurt Coleman
Analysis: The Bills are just doing everything right. They’ve been waiting for the right time to strike for years, and they are ready to take the division crown away from the Patriots. They made some big and smart moves the last two offseasons, and have made the final big moves this offseason to pull it all together. One of the biggest trades occurred in Buffalo, acquiring star receiver Stefon Diggs from the Vikings for a multitude of draft selections. Last year they signed John Brown and Cole Beasley, which greatly improved their receiving core, but still lacked a No. 1, which they got in Diggs. You could say they overpaid for Diggs, given the pitiful return the Texans got for a much better receiver in Hopkins. But nonetheless, they got their guy and a new best friend for their young quarterback. The only other addition on offense was former All-Pro Panther Daryl Williams. He’ll compete for a starting spot, although they’re aren’t any open spots after re-signing left guard Quinton Spain to a multi-year deal.
The defense is what saw a decent amount of turnover. Lorenzo Alexander retired, first-rounder Shaq Lawson and breakout star Jordan Phillips left via free agency, but they were able to fill those voids with former Panthers and Saints linebacker A.J. Klein, veteran pass rusher Mario Addison, and defensive tackles Vernon Butler and Quinton Jefferson. That’s great roster management, lose guys, find their replacements, and potential upgrades. They really got an upgrade with former All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman, who was cut by the Redskins after being one of the worst cornerbacks in 2019 while being wildly overpaid. Hopefully he can go back to what he was in 2015 in Carolina, under Sean McDermott. The commonality between a lot of these free agent signings are that FIVE players are former Panthers, and were with McDermott when he was the DC.
Conclusion: Although the Bills look like the better team now, they still have to fight the Patriots for the AFC East title. They made the playoffs as a wild card team last season, and I think they’re only going to get better. I love their head coach, and they have a great roster, kudos to general manager Brandon Beane. The question mark is still at the quarterback position, and whether Josh Allen can lead this team to the promised land. He still has accuracy and decision-making issues, but I honestly hope he figures it out, because this is an exciting team. They got a much-improved receiving core with Diggs, Brown, and Beasley, a nice young up and coming tight end in Dawson Knox with veteran Tyler Kroft, and an electric young running back in Devin Singletary. I think they still need to add a veteran back to compliment him, as he had some injury issues as a rookie and had Frank Gore to spell him. He’s still out there at age 36, but could get a guy like Devonta Freeman, Carlos Hyde, or Lamar Miller as free agents, or trade for someone like Royce Freeman or Matt Breida or Jerick McKinnon.
Their defense is terrific with a new look line alongside Ed Oliver, Jerry Hughes, and Harrison Phillips, great linebackers in Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano with Klein, and a great secondary with safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer, along with All-Pro Tre’Davious White, Levi Wallace, and Norman. I could see them adding depth at all levels in the draft, prioritizing edge rusher as they’re pretty old there.
The AFC has a new powerhouse in Buffalo, and they are going to be a force to be reckoned with. A great head coach, a roster filled with talent, and a passionate fan base usually lead to success. Let’s see if they’ll pull it off.
Miami Dolphins
Key acquisitions: CB Byron Jones, LB Kyle Van Noy, DE Shaq Lawson, RB Jordan Howard, G Ereck Flowers, DE Emmanuel Ogbah, C/G Ted Karras, LB Elandon Roberts, LB Kamu Grugier-Hill, S Clayton Fejedelem
Re-signed: S Adrian Colbert
Remaining free agents: CB Walt Aikens, C Daniel Kilgore, DE John Jenkins
Analysis: The number of free agents who wanted to play for Brian Flores goes to show how much coaching matters to players. The Dolphins were historically bad last year, but once Flores’ coaching style set in, they went on to win 3 of the final 5 games, including against the Patriots. Flores was a likable guy in New England, and once it was clear the dynasty was over, many fled south to the division rival. Van Noy and Roberts were starters in New England, and will start in Miami, joining Jerome Baker, Raekwon McMillan, and former Eagle (and Patriot draft pick) Kamu Grugier-Hill. The Dolphins also addressed their pass rush with former Bills first-rounder Shaq Lawson and former Brown and Chief Emmanuel Ogbah. But the biggest splash was in the secondary, with former All-Pro Cowboys first-rounder Byron Jones. He is now the highest-paid cornerback, and joins the second-highest paid in Xavien Howard. The 2019 secondary was surprisingly good for the Dolphins, but they were starting random undrafted rookies, although they may have found a gem in Nik Needham. Also starting were Nate Brooks, Montre Hartage, Ryan Lewis, Steven Parker, Ken Webster, and Jomal Wiltz. If you’ve heard of two of these guys I’d be impressed. Special teams also got improved with Grugier-Hill and former Bengal Clayton Fejedelem.
On offense, they brought in Pro Bowler Jordan Howard, a down-hill power back who figures to be the bell cow. They also brought in help on the offensive line with Ereck Flowers and Ted Karras. Flowers had a bounce back year with the Redskins after moving inside to guard and was given starter money. Karras was great for the Patriots filling in for starters, and will compete for the other guard spot or at center with Michael Deiter.
Conclusion: The Dolphins were a dumpster fire last year, but the attraction of the head coach brought several free agents to Miami to build around. Supplied with three first-round picks after trading Laremy Tunsil and Minkah Fitzpatrick, they figure to get a quarterback and fill the other holes on the roster. They could use more weapons on offense in addition to DeVante Parker and Preston Williams. They’re set at tight end with Mike Gesicki, but could use a passing back to compliment Howard. The offensive line was a revolving door last year, with Deiter the only 16-game starter. Flowers, Karras, Deiter, and Jesse Davis are the clear starters, with left tackle up for grabs as Julien Davenport isn’t a viable option.
The defense was littered with young talent, and now with the veteran free agents brought in to lead, it gives the Dolphins a well-balanced unit. The d-line is solid with Christian Wilkins and Davon Godchaux in the middle, Lawson, Ogbah, Taco Charlton, and Charles Harris coming off the edge. A solid linebacking core, and a pair of Pro Bowl corners and young safeties in the secondary. I could see them adding a play-making safety in the draft, like an Xavier McKinney or Grant Delpit, after parting with Reshad Jones.
Dolphins fans should be excited about the direction their team has started to head in. They have a ways to go, but are on their way. Players love coach Flores, as seen in free agency, which makes them an attractive landing spot. Next up is the draft, which is pivotal in their rebuild. I have them taking Tua, but if I know anything about the NFL draft, anything can happen.
New England Patriots
Key acquisitions: S Adrian Phillips, QB Brian Hoyer, OLB Brandon Copeland, WR Damiere Byrd, DT Beau Allen, FB Danny Vitale, S Cody Davis
Re-signed: G Joe Thuney (franchise), FS Devin McCourty, WR/ST Matthew Slater, DE Shilique Calhoun
Departures: QB Tom Brady (Buccaneers), LB Kyle Van Noy (Dolphins), K Stephen Gostkowski, LB Jamie Collins (Lions), DT Danny Shelton (Lions), S Duron Harmon (Lions), C/G Ted Karras (Dolphins), LB Elandon Roberts (Dolphins), S Nate Ebner (Giants), WR Phillip Dorsett (Seahawks)
Analysis: This hurts. This really hurts. The Brady era is officially over, and for the first time in 20 years, the Patriots will be without TB12 in the starting lineup. He brought fans winning seasons to New England every season along with his six championships. Nothing will ever be the same, as arguably the greatest dynasty in sports history comes to an end. We have never truly appreciated how dominate Brady and the Pats were these past 20 years, and it still hasn’t hit me yet, and likely won’t until Week 1.
Brady wasn’t the only loss, as the Pats lost nine other players via free agency, trade, and release. Starting with the defense, which was at the top in 2019, lost five starters, all to the Dolphins and Lions, including three linebackers in Van Noy, Collins, and Roberts. Van Noy was a versatile off-ball linebacker and edge rusher. His presence will be missed after reviving his career to earn a big pay day with Brian Flores in Miami, alongside Roberts, the hard-hitting run-stuffer. Speaking of career-revival, Collins went back to his old pre-Cleveland self and was a playmaker once again, and now goes back to Matt Patricia in Detroit along with Shelton, who had a career year himself earned a solid contract. Trading Harmon was a bit of a surprise, as he’s a vital part of the defense as the third safety. “The Closer” will be missed, always coming up big in the biggest games with a win-clinching interception. Losing Karras may not seem major, but it’s still a loss. He’s been great when he’s filled in as a starter, and was above average starting at center in place of David Andrews in 2019. He’ll have a legitimate chance to start in Miami, so good for him. In non Miami or Detroit news, stud special-teamer Ebner leaves for the Giants after eight years, and the speedy and trusty Dorsett goes to Seattle after three seasons. Oh yeah, and the real kicker is, the kicker is gone. Gostkowski was released after having hip surgery, with the Patriots now needing a new full-time kicker since 2006.
Well that was a lot of losses to cover, let’s talk about who they brought back and the new guys. I, like everyone else, was surprised with the Thuney franchise tag. Thought he was going to get top guard money on the market, reportedly from the Jets, but NE tagged their stud guard, and are paying him and Shaq Mason lots of money. Whether or not they trade Thuney or extend him is unknown. I thought they were gonna let him walk, then pay Karras to start, or rely on a young guy like 2019 third-rounder Hjalte Froholdt, but it seems they are keeping the All-Pro, for now. Thank god they brought back McCourty and Slater, because it they lost these two franchise staples, the fan base would disintegrate.
I’m a fan of the Adrian Phillips signing. A stud special-teamer who plays a safety/linebacker hybrid role on defense. He brings a different type of versatility that the Pats haven’t really had. They also brought in former Jets pass rusher Brandon Copeland and former Eagles and Bucs nose tackle Beau Allen to fill Shelton’s role. On offense, Hoyer returns to likely be the backup to Jarrett Stidham, and the speedy returner Damiere Byrd to fill Dorsett’s role on offense.
Conclusion: The Patriots did what the Patriots do in free agency. Let guys walk and get big money and get compensatory picks in return, then sign random backups and special teamers and somehow make them into important role players. The dynasty is over, but Belichick is still there and the AFC East is still the Pats to lose. The offense is still intact, outside of Brady, with a great running back group and o-line, but once again their pass catchers are mediocre. No good tight ends or proven wide receivers outside of Edelman, they’ve got work to do. The defense lost a lot after being one of the league’s top units in 2019. Their secondary is unchanged outside of Harmon, which was among the best last year. Oh yeah, they got the Defensive Player of the Year in Stephon Gilmore, they’ll be fine. The linebackers lack depth outside of Hightower and Ja’Waun Bentley. The d-line needs work again, and they need a new kicker. Hopefully they’ll fix their issues in the draft, because they have a lot of issues.
The dynasty is over, and it’s time to start anew.
New York Jets
Key acquisitions: C Connor McGovern, CB Pierre Desir, G Greg Van Roten, WR Breshad Perriman, OT George Fant, LB Patrick Onwuasor, C Josh Andrews
Re-signed: G Alex Lewis, CB Brian Poole, OLB Jordan Jenkins, LB Neville Hewitt, LB James Burgess, QB David Fales
Departures: WR Robby Anderson (Panthers), CB Trumaine Johnson, G Tom Compton (49ers), OT Brandon Shell (Seahawks), CB Darryl Roberts (Lions), OLB Brandon Copeland (Patriots), OT Brent Qvale (Texans), CB Maurice Canady (Cowboys)
Remaining free agents: OT Kelvin Beachum, WR Demaryius Thomas, P Lachlan Edwards, S Rontez Miles
Analysis: The Jets have been a joke for much of the past decade, and they are looking to turn it around in 2020, with the door finally opening up in the division. With a young and promising quarterback, their main goal in free agency was to protect him, and they got a number of not-well-known guys to compete. After the Patriots franchise tagged Joe Thuney, who was reportedly expected to receive a large contract offer from the Jets, general manager Joe Douglas gave a decent contract to center Connor McGovern. A two-year starter in Denver, McGovern was the Broncos best o-lineman in 2019, and got a nice payday to be the starting center for the Jets. They also brought in former Panther Greg Van Roten, a veteran journeyman who found a home in Carolina the past three seasons while being a full-time starter the past two, and he’ll likely compete with Alex Lewis and veteran Brian Winters for a starting guard spot. Also signed former Seahawks swing tackle George Fant, the undrafted former tight end who has filled in as a starter, starting 24 out of 46 games played. They’re taking a bit of a risk with these two guys, given the years and money on their deals, but it’s tough finding capable lineman on the market these days. Also on offense they signed former Ravens, Browns, and Bucs receiver Breshad Perriman, who had a nice season in Tampa last year after being a massive first-round bust for the Ravens in 2015. They lost their best receiver in Robby Anderson to the Panthers, but Perriman should slide in easily as the deep threat.
On defense, not much has changed, but they made a great signing with Pierre Desir who was surprisingly cut by the Colts. Desir immediately slots in as a starting corner after the Jets cut Trumaine Johnson and Darryl Roberts. They also brought in former Raven Patrick Onwuasor, who’ll join fellow former Raven C.J. Moseley. Other than that, the defense is virtually unchanged.
Conclusion: The time for the Jets and head coach Adam Gase is now. They have almost everything they need, and with a strong draft, a chance to battle for the division crown. Gase has been on the hot seat ever since he was hired, and players may not want to play for this guy given his reportedly bad reputation. Joe Douglas did decent work in free agency, and now it’s time to turn their attention to the draft. They have an above average defense, led by safeties Jamal Adams and Marcus Maye, linebackers Moseley, Avery Williamson and Blake Cashman, and d-linemen Quinnen Williams and Steve McClendon. Their top defensive draft priority is cornerback, as Desir is the only clear starter, with Nate Hairston, Bless Austin, and nickel Brian Poole after him. I could see them adding another linebacker as Moseley and Cashman were injured last year, and another body on the d-line after trading Leonard Williams.
Offense still needs work, especially after losing Anderson. Perriman is a nice addition, along with Josh Doctson, but for them, they need quality over quantity with Jamison Crowder and Quincy Enunwa the other top options. A new offensive line starting lineup looks much improved over what they rolled out week to week. Le’Veon Bell had a down year after skipping 2018, but hopefully another year into football shape will get him back to his All-Pro form. Hopefully another year under Gase will get the Jets on track, or else his days are numbered.
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