Best and Worst offseason moves by every team: AFC Edition
There are still a handful of free agents hanging around the market and cuts to be made at training camp, but for the most part, NFL teams have made the bulk of their offseason moves to get ready for the 2016 season.
While most offseason decisions won't properly be evaluated until the players hit the field, here's a quick reaction to every team's best and worst moves made since the 2015 season ended.
AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
Buffalo Bills
Best: Replacing Mario Williams with Shaq Lawson in the first round
Despite Rex Ryan's defensive specialty, things didn't work between him and Williams in Buffalo and Super Mario had to go if he wasn't going to be earning his high salary. The Bills started off their stellar 2016 draft by picking Shaq Lawson 19th overall after they didn't believe they would have a shot at him at that position. Ryan knows Lawson well, as the coach's son was a teammate of the defensive end at Clemson, and it's expected he will be better utilized than Williams.
Worst: No splashes in free agency after another playoff miss
Buffalo made a handful of free-agent signings this offseason and none are bona fide NFL starters. Safety Robert Blanton and linebacker Zach Brown will challenge to be starters, but they aren't particularly upgrades from what the Bills had at those positions in 2015. After a disappointing opening season for Ryan in Buffalo, some more moves were expected to finally get the Bills back to the playoffs.
Miami Dolphins
Best: Being the first team not scared off by Laremy Tunsil's gas mask video
The Dolphins made a lot of moves this offseason via trades, free agency, and coaching changes, but their first-round pick was an easy choice. Miami should have never had a chance to draft Tunsil 13th overall, but his infamous gas mask video frightened away the first 12 picks. Miami had plenty of time after its release to get an explanation from Tunsil and his representatives and they decided the reward outweighed the risk. The Fins don't really have spot ready for Tunsil, but a player of his talents will find room on their roster.
Worst: Hiring another converted offensive coordinator to be head coach
It's a shame that a franchise once led by one of the greatest head coaches of all time can't attract experienced coaches. Joe Philbin was an absolute disaster leading the Dolphins franchise for three-and-a-half years. Adam Gase has had some impressive apprenticeships, but he doesn't have head coaching experience. The Dolphins' locker room has been a mess of personalities and never seems to be settled. Gase has a reputation as a strategist, but how will he do once the tempers start to flare after a loss or two?
New England Patriots
Best: Acquiring 4 former 1st-rounders after NFL revoked 2016 1st-round pick
This was essentially a middle finger to the league by the Patriots. They have openly disagreed with the NFL's "Deflategate" discipline, including the loss of their first-round pick. Only defensive end Chris Long could be considered a successful first-rounder, but adding linebacker Shea McClellin, running back Donald Brown, and guard Jonathan Cooper will certainly improve the overall team talent.
An honorable mention has to go to trading a fourth-round pick for Martellus Bennett and a sixth-rounder. The Patriots' tight end position somehow got scarier.
Worst: Tom Brady's "Deflatgate" suspension gets reinstated
This definitely wasn't a move made by the Patriots, but it was by far the most damaging thing that happened to the team. It will be either Jimmy Garoppolo or Jacoby Brissett under center for New England in the first four weeks of the season. This will most likely serve as fuel for the fire once Brady returns, but losing their best player for a quarter of the season is a huge hit.
New York Jets
Best: Signing Brandon Marshall's old buddy Matt Forte
Marshall called for the Jets to bring his buddy from the Chicago Bears to the team and he got his wish. Forte signed a very affordable deal averaging $4 million over three years and provides an every-down presence for the Jets' backfield. If the Jets can figure out what to do at quarterback, they have a solid trio of weapons in Forte, Marshall, and Eric Decker.
Worst: Drafting Christian Hackenberg for leverage over Ryan Fitzpatrick
This is a two parter. First, if the Jets have any plans to compete in 2016, they have to find a quarterback and Ryan Fitzpatrick is really their only option. The bearded pass thrower wants a hefty chunk of change to re-sign, but sometimes teams need to realize there really aren't that many good quarterbacks walking around and he's one of the few who can get it done. Drafting a project like Hackenberg to sit behind Geno Smith and Bryce Petty won't equate to wins anytime soon and the Jets' weapons aren't getting any younger.