AFC East Free Agency Grades
With most of the big names off the market, free agency is fading as the Draft draws nearer. We’ve already covered each team’s five biggest free agency moves, but now it’s time to grade their efforts. Who filled their needs? Who got the best value and who overpaid? Here are the free agency grades for the AFC East:
For almost two decades, the AFC East has belonged to the New England Patriots, who were perhaps (unexpectedly) the most aggressive team in free agency this year. Miami made the playoffs for the first time since 2008 last season and will hope to build on that going into 2017. The Bills have a new head coach, while the Jets had a fire sale as they appear to be rebuilding.
Buffalo Bills — D
Key additions: LB Lorenzo Alexander, DB Micah Hyde, WR Andre Holmes
Key departures: LB Zach Brown, CB Stephon Gilmore, WR Robert Woods
Under new head coach Sean McDermott, Buffalo is undergoing a roster remodel. While keeping Tyrod Taylor on a restructured contract was a must-do, most of Taylor’s receivers are gone without adequate replacements behind the injury-prone Sammy Watkins. Inconsistent but talented corner Stephon Gilmore is gone, replaced by another injury-prone player in Micah Hyde. 12.5 sack man Lorenzo Alexander returns, but Zach Brown; Buffalo’s best coverage linebacker, is gone.
Miami Dolphins — B
Key additions: LB Lawrence Timmons, TE Julius Thomas, DE William Hayes
Key departures: OT Branden Albert, DE Mario Williams, TE Jordan Cameron
The Dolphins released disappointing veteran Mario Williams and traded for William Hayes as his replacement. Julius Thomas reunites with former offensive coordinator Adam Gase and will be an upgrade over the retired Jordan Cameron at tight end if he can stay healthy. Lawrence Timmons will help against the run, forming a good tandem with coverage linebacker Kiko Alonso, who signed an extension with the Dolphins. Branden Albert became expendable with sophomore tackle Laremy Tunsil ready to take over.
New England Patriots — A
Key additions: CB Stephon Gilmore, WR Brandin Cooks, TE Dwayne Allen
Key departures: TE Martellus Bennett, CB Logan Ryan, DL Jabaal Sheard
New England didn’t stand still despite winning their fifth Super Bowl title last season and brought in younger talent at cornerback (Gilmore), wide receiver (Cooks) and tight end (Allen). Cooks is Tom Brady’s best vertical threat since Randy Moss in 2007, while Allen is a cheaper version of do-it-all tight end Bennett and once again gives the Patriots a potent one-two punch alongside Rob Gronkowski. Gilmore can match up with big physical number one receivers, but was handed a monster contract despite being inconsistent in Buffalo (and souring relations between the Patriots and incumbent Malcolm Butler). Can Bill Belichick turn Gilmore into a consistent top five corner?
New York Jets — F
Key additions: QB Josh McCown, CB Morris Claiborne, OT Kelvin Beachum
Key departures: WR Brandon Marshall, CB Darrelle Revis, C Nick Mangold
The Jets completely tore down their roster, releasing several expensive veterans who still had gas in the tank. Marshall was a head-scratcher, and could’ve made the signing of Josh McCown more sensible if retained. Claiborne is injury-prone and inconsistent, as is Beachum. McCown will probably be the starter, but not a good one. It appears the Jets need his mentoring abilities for their two young quarterbacks rather than appreciating McCown’s value as a player.
