Haason Reddick, New York JetsHaason Reddick in his New York Jets uniform.
The AFC East landscape dramatically shifted during the 2024 offseason. Long-time New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick departed, the Buffalo Bills experienced significant player turnover, the New York Jets bolstered both offense and defense, and the Miami Dolphins underwent defensive revisions. Each team enters the 2024 season with a noticeably different roster, promising an exciting divisional race. Let’s examine the best offseason move for each AFC East team.
Buffalo Bills: Drafting Wide Receiver Keon Coleman
The Bills lost their top two wide receivers this offseason, with Gabe Davis departing in free agency and Stefon Diggs traded. While the signing of Curtis Samuel provided some relief, it didn’t fully compensate for the loss of two key offensive weapons.
Keon Coleman at a pre-draft workout.
However, Buffalo made a strategic move in the NFL Draft, trading down to select Florida State wide receiver Keon Coleman in the early second round. Coleman, a promising prospect, boasts an impressive physical profile at 6-foot-3 and around 215 pounds. Though not exceptionally fast, he possesses exceptional hands and is considered one of the draft’s best route runners.
Reportedly, quarterback Josh Allen strongly advocated for Coleman’s selection. With Diggs’ departure, Allen needs a new primary receiving target. Coleman has the potential to fill that role for the Bills in 2024.
Miami Dolphins: Signing Linebacker Jordyn Brooks
The Dolphins’ offseason presented limited options for analysis. The team lost several key defensive players without making significant additions. Among their moves, signing linebacker Jordyn Brooks stands out as the most impactful.
Brooks, a former Seattle Seahawk, established himself as a tackling machine, recording 184 tackles in 2021 and 161 in 2022. While his tackle count dipped to 111 in 2023, he also contributed 4.5 sacks. Although not known for his pass-rushing abilities, Brooks offers valuable versatility.
With the departure of Jerome Baker to Seattle, Brooks is positioned as his replacement. Whether this move constitutes an upgrade remains to be seen.
New England Patriots: Drafting Wide Receiver Ja’Lynn Polk
The Patriots may have unearthed a hidden gem in the NFL Draft with the selection of wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk. Polk, the tenth receiver drafted, possesses the potential to outperform his draft position.
Ja’Lynn Polk participating in a pre-draft workout.
As the second receiver behind Rome Odunze at Washington, Polk amassed impressive statistics: 69 receptions for 1,159 yards and nine touchdowns in 2023. His production hints at even greater potential if he were the primary target.
While not exceptionally athletic, Polk exhibits well-rounded skills and excels at contested catches due to his reliable hands. His size (6-foot-1, 205 pounds) and the current receiver competition give him a legitimate chance to become New England’s top receiver in 2024. Polk could prove to be an excellent consolation prize after the Patriots failed to acquire Calvin Ridley in free agency.
New York Jets: Trading for Edge Rusher Haason Reddick
Despite a recent contract dispute with the Jets, the trade for Haason Reddick represents a phenomenal move by New York. Addressing the void left by Bryce Huff’s departure to Philadelphia, the Jets acquired Reddick from the Eagles.
Reddick significantly upgrades the Jets’ pass rush. Over the past four seasons, he has accumulated 50.5 sacks, including a remarkable 16-sack performance in 2022, earning him fourth place in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
While the Jets needed offensive improvements, which they addressed through other acquisitions, Reddick strengthens an already formidable defense alongside Quinnen Williams and others. He is arguably the Jets’ best acquisition in recent months.
