AFC East Free Agency Review

The 2013 free agency period has been a doozy, with many big-name players moving on to new teams. Both the American and National Conferences saw large upheaval of stalwarts and fan favorites. For now, let’s focus on the AFC. With the exception of the AFC South, each division experienced a whole lot of movement. Bottom-feeder teams, namely the Dolphins, Chiefs, and Browns, made moves that could have them breaking their usual mold in this upcoming season.

In the AFC East, you must acknowledge the big offseason Miami’s new regime is having so far. After releasing Karlos Dansby and losing Sean Smith to free agency, it seemed they were headed for more mediocrity. Then they began to shake the NFL world, primarily by signing receiver Mike Wallace. They continued from there, then adding ex-Ravens linebacker Danell Ellerbe. This was a great move for bolstering their defense, as well as weakening the defending champions. Anthony Fasano jumped ship, but the Dolphins added more targets for their young quarterback, signing receiver Brandon Gibson and veteran tight end Dustin Keller. Of course free agency is not the end-all for team building, and Miami is expected to look for Reggie Bush’s replacement in the draft while leaning more on Lamar Miller. So far though, their off-season has started with a bang.

There was also a lot of activity coming out of New England’s headquarters during the free agency period. The media focused most of its attention on the Wes Welker contract situation, obscuring some of the positive things the Patriots did for their roster. In the wake of Welker’s departure, the team signed Danny Amendola, a younger, more injury-prone, and apparently cheaper version of Welker himself. New England also signed Leon Washington, an explosive kick-returner who will also join strong medley of running backs and backfield receivers. Brandon Lloyd was released after just one season with the Patriots, but they quickly atoned for this by signing Donald Jones from Buffalo, a bigger target that’s been uncommon in Boston recently. We can rest assured that New England will not end their improvement process here though, knowing what a strong believer in the draft Bill Belicheck.

The Jets and have not made much noise in free agency, but the AFC East whipping boys were not completely inactive. Buffalo’s biggest move was releasing their incumbent starter Ryan Fitzpatrick, who started the last two seasons hot but could not maintain the production throughout the schedule. It is almost certain that they will be seeking his replacement in the draft come April, as well as some new receiving talent after losing Donald Jones to the division-rival Patriots. The Jets signed a few players, such as former-Charger Antonio Garay, but did not target any big-name free agents. There’s no telling what the New Jersey brass is planning to get them back into playoff contention, but all we really want to know is whether or not it involves Darelle Revis.

The AFC East was very active in free agency thanks to the Patriots and especially Dolphins, who still remain comfortably under the salary cap. For now it doesn’t seem that the pecking order in this division will change much in 2013, but the draft still looms. However, at least we get to see a few “revenge games” due to the unusually high number of players switching teams within the division.  

Patriots Free Agency Preview

The 2012 season ended with the New England Patriots, once again, almost going all the way. However, almost doesn’t count, and it’s clear that the Patriots brain-trust is plotting some moves to fill the holes on the team’s roster, similar to the holes often found in their secondary. Quarterback Tom Brady’s recently restructured contract has given the team about $20 million in cap space, and I expect them to use it. New England’s obvious needs are at defensive back and wide receiver, but don’t be surprised if they make a move for a proven pass-rusher as well.

The Patriots’ most important need right now is defensive backs. Steve Gregory and Patrick Chung have worked well in tandem, but neither of them is a lock to stay healthy and many believe that Chung will not be on the roster next season. Devin McCourty has more than proven himself at safety, and Belicheck would like to keep him there. In order for that to happen, the team’s corner backs must perform, but that could be jeopardized if Alfonzo Dennard’s sentencing is harsh. The Patriots would be wise to re-sign free agent corner Aqib Talib, who ran into some injury problems in the playoffs but was the physical corner the team’s been missing during the season. With Falcons safety William Moore and Chiefs corner Dunta Robinson inking new deals this week, the free agency class for defensive backs is getting thinner and thinner. In their search for a safety to partner with McCourty, New England will most likely target veteran Ed Reed, a player Belicheck has copious respect for. They could also make a play for Dashon Goldson, whose combination of hard hits and excellent range make him an attractive draw. Falcons corner Brent Grimes could also be targeted, but it is not yet known how he will recover from last year’s season-ending injury. Corner back may be a need better addressed in the draft.

New England also has a need at wide receiver, still searching for the deep threat they’ve lacked since trading away Randy Moss in 2010. The Patriots must settle in-house business first and resolve the Wes Welker situation. What the teams decides to do about Welker will shape the rest of their free agency moves and could drastically affect another team as well. The Patriots must also address the contract situation of Julian Edelman, their emerging receiver who is perceived as next-in-line to Welker’s spot. If Welker is not re-signed, the Patriots may choose to go after Rams receiver Danny Amendola; however that would not solve the problem. New England’s two-tight end, slot receiver system has been stifled again and again in the playoffs because they lack a deep threat to clear the middle of the field. Brandon Lloyd was brought in to fill that role, but he was still not a true wideout. Luckily, Pittsburgh’s Mike Wallace is on the market with a diminished value from a drop-filled season. He looks like New England’s best bet, but signing him would mean hoping that his drops were only a temporary obstacle. Packers receiver Greg Jennings could also be offered a contract, but the Patriots aren’t likely to put up the kind of money he’ll be demanding.

    Vince Wilfork has been the center of New England’s defensive line for a long time, but his defensive end counterparts have been a revolving door since the departure of guys like Willie McGinest and Richard Seymour. The 2012 season saw rookie Justin Francis, but the rest of the line is nowhere near concrete. Belicheck has always favored building through the draft, but he has never been shy about making moves for free agents he believes in. for this reason, I expect the Patriots to test the waters with Dwight Freeney or possibly Israel Idonije. Osi Umenyiora could also be targeted, and Belicheck may even want to reunite with his old friend Richard Seymour. New England has also lacked pressure from the linebacker position, so they might want to go after Ravens linebacker Danell Ellerbe, however Baltimore will be keen to keep him around now that Ray Lewis has left the building.

As always, it is doubtful that New England will try to fill their every need in free agency, not to mention that they still have players to re-sign like Sebastian Vollmer and Danny Woodhead. However, ol’ Bill is usually good for at least toss-up move this time of year, so don’t be caught off guard when it happens. 

•