AFC East Team Needs: Patriots must protect Brady; Dolphins search for cornerback
theScore goes division by division to identify the biggest positional needs for all 32 NFL teams entering free agency.
NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
Buffalo Bills
Biggest need: Offensive tackle
Other needs: Defensive end, linebacker, quarterback
Buffalo's mismanagement of the salary cap will hinder most of its free-agent pursuits, even with the ceiling rising to $155.7 million for the upcoming season.
The Bills' foremost priority will be to reach an extension with left tackle Cordy Glenn, who's emerged as a superior blocker in both run and pass scenarios
The Bills' defensive line used to be a position of strength, but with Mario Williams released to save cap space, and Jerry Hughes struggling with penalties and prolonged bouts of inconsistency last season, Buffalo could look to add more pass-rushing talent. Moreover, the Bills would do well to add to a thin linebacker corps that drops off dramatically after Nigel Bradham and Preston Brown.
The Bills recorded just 21 sacks a year after leading the NFL in the category.
Potential free-agent targets: With Bills applying the franchise tag to Glenn, they'll need to find bargains at linebacker and defensive end. Buffalo would be a good place for Shea McClellin to salvage his career, while veteran Dwight Freeney could aid in providing pressure off the edge.
Miami Dolphins
Biggest need: Cornerback
Other needs: Linebacker, guard, offensive tackle
Brent Grimes' reputation far exceeds his on-field output; the former Pro Bowler was a liability in coverage in 2015, while Jamar Taylor, Bobby McCain, and Tony Lippett all played at sub-replacement level. The Dolphins will need to address their woes in the secondary or run the risk of being torched constantly in 2016.
Miami desperately needs an upgrade at interior linebacker, with Kelvin Sheppard, Koa Misi, and Jelani Jenkins failing to impose their will in the run game, as the club surrendered 126.2 rushing yards per game.
The Dolphins allowed 45 sacks last season, with guards Dallas Thomas and Jamil Douglas largely to blame. With the exception of left tackle Branden Albert and center Mike Pouncey, the entire offensive line needs to be rebuilt in order to protect Ryan Tannehill.
Potential free-agent targets: With little cap space, the Dolphins would be wise to target inexpensive starting cornerbacks, including Greg Toler, Jeremy Lane, and Brandon Boykin. James Laurinaitis, Sean Weatherspoon, and Justin Durant are veteran linebackers who can play quality minutes and solve the Dolphins' woes through the middle. Alex Boone, Jahri Evans, and Ramon Foster are capable of starting and would be efficient upgrades over the team's abysmal starting guard duo.
New England Patriots
Biggest need: Offensive tackle
Other needs: Guard, wide receiver, cornerback
The Patriots' offensive line was annihilated during the AFC Championship Game, as the eventual Super Bowl champion Broncos exposed a number of glaring flaws up front. Denver recorded 23 quarterback hits on Tom Brady, and New England will need to make some changes to protect its franchise icon.
It's a testament to Brady's brilliance that the Patriots' passing game remained clinical while Julian Edelman missed nine games due to a foot injury. The Patriots seldom invest heavily in wide receivers during free agency, but with injury and depth concerns running rampant, this is the time for the club to gain reinforcements.
Malcolm Butler ascended into a Pro Bowl cornerback, but was paired with the revolving door of Logan Ryan, Tarell Brown, Tavon Wilson, and Rashaan Melvin at right cornerback. With Butler exceeding his end of the bargain, the Patriots ought to go all-in and pursue one of the marquee cornerbacks available on the market.
Potential free-agent targets: Antonio Cromartie is an ideal low-risk, high-reward candidate for the Patriots to solve their woes at cornerback, and will be less expensive than Sean Smith and Prince Amukamara. With left tackle Nate Solder slated to return from injury, the Patriots should pursue cost-effective veterans Jermon Bushrod, Jahri Evans, and Stefen Wisniewski to stabilize the rest of the line. Wisniewski can play center and guard equally well.
New York Jets
Biggest need: Edge-rusher
Other needs: Inside linebacker, quarterback
New York recorded 39 sacks in large part due to the phenomenal effort of its front three. The Jets could stabilize a ferocious unit by adding a series of premium edge-rushers, fully realizing Todd Bowles' vision of a frenetic, relentless pass rush. Calvin Pace is no longer effective, while the Jets waived Quinton Coples in November.
Darrelle Revis lived up to his unparalleled standards last season, but the Jets would be wise to add another cornerback, as Buster Skrine is best suited in the slot. Marcus Williams was excellent last season, and the Jets could be impenetrable if they find someone to replace Antonio Cromartie.
David Harris and Demario Davis were the Jets' leading tacklers, but the team ought to develop a contingency plan as both players showed hints of decline throughout the season.
Potential free-agent targets: The Jets could become a true fortress in the secondary by pursuing Sean Smith or Janoris Jenkins. New York could also target more feasible options in Leon Hall and Jeremy Lane. Danny Trevathan possesses the speed and dynamism Bowles covets at linebacker, while Rolando McClain and James Laurinaitis would also be excellent fits.
Ryan Fitzpatrick is slated to become an unrestricted free agent, but it's hard to imagine him playing elsewhere. If so, the Jets should remedy their need for a QB through the draft.