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| Mario Williams/AP Images |
Checking up on what the division’s four teams have done in free agency so far.
By Joe Diglio
A certain number 18 just landed in Denver, but back in the east there are still teams making some noise. Here’s a look at what AFC East’s four squads have been up to heading into next month’s NFL Draft.
Buffalo Bills: The Bills made a splash by signing arguably the best defensive player available in former Houston linebacker, Mario Williams. The former Texan signed a 6-year-deal worth up to $100 million, with $50 million guaranteed. He should be a good fit in Buffalo’s new 4-3 defense, where he will be able to play both defensive end and outside linebacker. The addition of Williams gives the Bills a formidable front seven, a valuable asset to dethrone Tom Brady and the Patriots from the top of the division.
Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins’ first plan to solve their quarterback dilemma was like a 60-yard bomb: sign Peyton Manning. That fell incomplete when they were announced out of the Manning sweepstakes last week. Meanwhile, they attempted a 20-yard pass: trading up to get prospect Robert Griffin III. That fell incomplete when the St. Louis Rams gave the second pick in the draft to the Washington Redskins. Then they tried a simple five-yard check down: signing free agent Matt Flynn. But even that was botched, as the Aaron Rodgers’ backup ended up in Seattle. Soon, the Dolphins’ front office found itself scrambling. They ultimately signed former Jaguar David Garrard. Garrard is kind of like Manning, in the sense that both missed all of last season due to injury. However Garrard’s also unlike Manning, in the sense that he’s never won an MVP or Super Bowl.
New England Patriots: So far in free agency, the Patriots have looked to add depth to their already stacked offense. They added wide receivers Anthony Gonzalez and Donte’ Stallworth, as well as tight end Daniel Fells. However New England’s biggest addition was wide out Brandon Lloyd. The Patriots now have another threat to put opposite Wes Welker, in addition to the tight end combo of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. Lloyd had a breakout season two years ago in Denver, catching 77 passes for 1,448 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also showed promise after a midseason trade to St. Louis last year, gaining 683 receiving yards and five touchdowns in just ten starts with the Rams. However, signing Lloyd takes New England out of the running for star receiver Mike Wallace, whom it had been rumored the team was pursuing.
New York Jets: Rex Ryan’s squad filled a hole at safety by signing former Redskin LaRon Landry. However the deal is experimental, just one year worth $4 million. The Jets hope Landry will bounce back from the multiple injuries that have limited his playing time the past two years. The team also planned to sign a quarterback who would push starter Mark Sanchez to improve, so they went out and got Drew Stanton. They hope the former Lion will challenge whose progression has been somewhat stagnant after three years. New York also signed speedster Chaz Schilens to a one-year deal worth $765,000, adding depth to a depleted receiving corps that lost Derrick Mason to a trade and Plaxico Burress to free agency.
Buffalo Bills: The Bills made a splash by signing arguably the best defensive player available in former Houston linebacker, Mario Williams. The former Texan signed a 6-year-deal worth up to $100 million, with $50 million guaranteed. He should be a good fit in Buffalo’s new 4-3 defense, where he will be able to play both defensive end and outside linebacker. The addition of Williams gives the Bills a formidable front seven, a valuable asset to dethrone Tom Brady and the Patriots from the top of the division.
Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins’ first plan to solve their quarterback dilemma was like a 60-yard bomb: sign Peyton Manning. That fell incomplete when they were announced out of the Manning sweepstakes last week. Meanwhile, they attempted a 20-yard pass: trading up to get prospect Robert Griffin III. That fell incomplete when the St. Louis Rams gave the second pick in the draft to the Washington Redskins. Then they tried a simple five-yard check down: signing free agent Matt Flynn. But even that was botched, as the Aaron Rodgers’ backup ended up in Seattle. Soon, the Dolphins’ front office found itself scrambling. They ultimately signed former Jaguar David Garrard. Garrard is kind of like Manning, in the sense that both missed all of last season due to injury. However Garrard’s also unlike Manning, in the sense that he’s never won an MVP or Super Bowl.
New England Patriots: So far in free agency, the Patriots have looked to add depth to their already stacked offense. They added wide receivers Anthony Gonzalez and Donte’ Stallworth, as well as tight end Daniel Fells. However New England’s biggest addition was wide out Brandon Lloyd. The Patriots now have another threat to put opposite Wes Welker, in addition to the tight end combo of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. Lloyd had a breakout season two years ago in Denver, catching 77 passes for 1,448 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also showed promise after a midseason trade to St. Louis last year, gaining 683 receiving yards and five touchdowns in just ten starts with the Rams. However, signing Lloyd takes New England out of the running for star receiver Mike Wallace, whom it had been rumored the team was pursuing.
New York Jets: Rex Ryan’s squad filled a hole at safety by signing former Redskin LaRon Landry. However the deal is experimental, just one year worth $4 million. The Jets hope Landry will bounce back from the multiple injuries that have limited his playing time the past two years. The team also planned to sign a quarterback who would push starter Mark Sanchez to improve, so they went out and got Drew Stanton. They hope the former Lion will challenge whose progression has been somewhat stagnant after three years. New York also signed speedster Chaz Schilens to a one-year deal worth $765,000, adding depth to a depleted receiving corps that lost Derrick Mason to a trade and Plaxico Burress to free agency.
