Zeal Talk Report with JGILLZ: Recapping Early Days of Free Agency for AFC East
Written by Jalen McGill
Jalen McGill
NFL Free agency kicked off Monday March 11th for all 32 NFL teams, which left players and fan bases erupting with emotions. From releases, signings, and trades, this start to the new league year had some jaw dropping moves and decisions that left franchises altered and dismayed. There is still a lot of time to be had between the NFL draft and start of the season, but after a full week of twist, turns, and surprises, here is an overview of the AFC East and where they stand.
Buffalo Bills:
The Buffalo Bills started their free agency with a slew of releases. These weren’t just cap casualties, but franchise pillars who’ve laid the foundation for what it means to be a Buffalo Bill in the McDermott Bean era. These players included Mitch Morse, Jordan Poyer, and Tre’Davious White. Things didn’t get much better after the Bills then went and lost out on top free agents, WR Gabe Davis and DE Leonard Floyd. On the bright side, they were able to retain DE AJ Epenesa, DT DaQuon Jones, and CB Cam Lewis. They also picked up WR Mack Hollins and QB Mitch Trubisky. The later played for the Bills just two seasons ago. The Bills still have holes to fill at wide receiver, offensive line, and throughout the secondary.
Miami Dolphins:
No team lost more in free agency than the Miami Dolphins. The team who had a record 25 free agents to try and retain, lost their top free agents to some of the largest contracts in the field. DT Christian Wilkins signed for four years $110,000,000 with $82,750,000 guaranteed. OG Robert Hunt signed for four years $100,000,000 with $63,000,000 guaranteed. Although the losses were tough, the Dolphins will look to capitalize on them during next year’s NFL Draft when they receive two third round compensatory picks. Credit should also go to GM Chris Grier who was able to get quality depth at a low payroll, including former Buffalo Bills safety Jordan Poyer.
New England Patriots:
Going into free agency, the New England Patriots were primed to be big spenders. They sat comfortably in the top five of teams with money to spend. Many assumed they would target big name free agents like Christian Wilkins and Brian Burns to fill the massive holes they have in their roster. They’ve done the complete opposite. They’ve been calculated and pristine, making “vanilla” moves and adding quality depth. The Patriots still sit third in the NFL with cap space to spend, it’s quite possible they use it for the 2025 free agency class.
New York Jets:
The Jets had a pretty disappointing season considering the expectations going into last season. The team lost starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers week one after a torn Achilles on the fourth snap of the game. Heading into free agency, they had very few options due to their lack of cap space. The Jets did however capitalize on backup quarterback with the signing of Tyrod Taylor. They also were able to sign former first round pick Javon Kinlaw on a team friendly 1 year seven million dollar deal.
Aside from the free agents, the team was able to trade for starting right tackle Morgan Moses from the Baltimore Ravens. This move should help keep starting QB Aaron Rodgers on his feet, and allow stud RB Breece Hall a lift in the run game. The Jets are still void of any significant spending so finding other options will prove to be very difficult in the weeks to come.
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