2023 Free Agency Preview: AFC East

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We are just mere days from the official start of the 2023 NFL league year. Free agency brings fresh opportunities for teams to find their next building blocks with roster construction. The AFC East was one of the more competitive divisions last season. Perhaps, it could become even more fascinating, if the New York Jets land a veteran quarterback in a trade that everyone is anticipating. Let’s preview the upcoming free agency period for the AFC East division.

What are the top positions of need for all of the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots and New York Jets? Plus, who could be some possible outside additions at those positions of need? Let’s kick it off.

Buffalo Bills

Team Needs: Safety, Interior Offensive Line

The Buffalo Bills were one of the top Super Bowl favorites last season. There is a great amount of success that Buffalo has enjoyed in the last few seasons. Yet, the ultimate goal has not been achieved. With that in mind, the Bills could be losing some veterans that have been key players for them recently.

At the safety position, the expectation is that Jordan Poyer will move on and sign elsewhere. His toughness and ball production will have to be replaced. Meanwhile, the guard position could look for new additions as well. The Bills could very well lose someone like Rodger Saffold to the open market.

Possible Fits: Vonn Bell, Isaac Seumalo

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Of the pending free agent safeties for the Cincinnati Bengals, a lot of people will list Jessie Bates as the best one. However, Vonn Bell has been an impressive piece for that secondary. He could be somewhat of a bargain signing, in terms of money, compared to Bates. Bell can play physical, add versatility and is consistently able to win with instincts.

Isaac Seumalo was part of the NFL’s best offensive line in Philadelphia. With the team needing to pay certain pieces, it is possible that Seumalo does not fit into the equation. The Eagles could lose a blocker who is continually clean and someone that Buffalo knows would be reliable.

Miami Dolphins

Team Needs: Running Back, Tight End

The Miami Dolphins had a red-hot start last year. Ultimately, a disappointing finish revealed how much more Miami still needs to improve going forward, despite sneaking into the playoffs. The Dolphins have a fun set of weapons at wide receiver. However, more pieces must be stabilized on offense.

Running back is a spot that could get a major shakeup. All of Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson and Myles Gaskin are pending free agents. Miami could also use better pass catching options at tight end, to boot.

Possible Fits: Jerick McKinnon, Dalton Schultz

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The Kansas City Chiefs may want to bring Jerick McKinnon back. At the same time, there could be some considerably tremendous offers from the open market. McKinnon has shown how valuable he can be as a pass catcher and a pass blocker. More importantly, he has stayed healthy over the last year or so.

Dalton Schultz is a unique tight end. He can win vertically and seems extremely comfortable in contested catch situations. Quietly, the football IQ and ability to read coverages are areas where Schultz shines. With the wide receivers that the Dolphins have, that would be a great benefit for Schultz and Miami alike.

New England Patriots

Team Needs: Wide Receiver, Linebacker

The New England Patriots have no problem winning games on the ground and with grit. Nevertheless, this team needs to instill more juice in the wide receiver room. Getting Mac Jones back on a roll will be crucial, assuming he is still a Patriot in 2023.

On the flip side, New England could stand to add more depth at inside linebacker. Ja’Whaun Bentley and Jahlani Tavai are solid players. But, there is a chance to add more youth and different skill sets to that room.

Possible Fits: Allen Lazard, Drue Tranquill

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For as long as I can remember, the Patriots have had some sort of size instilled at the wide receiver position. Allen Lazard could add that, as well as a possession style to the position. Lazard will not blow anyone away athletically. Though, he can constantly churn out chunk gains and win in all areas of the field.

Drue Tranquill can defend both the run and the pass. In coverage, Tranquill is quick to read plays and diagnose route concepts. He had a decent run with the Los Angeles Chargers. You could argue that he still has some of his best football ahead of him, however.

New York Jets

Team Needs: Offensive Line, Interior Defensive Line

For whoever the Jets quarterback is, a more stable offensive line is needed. Improvement was made at times last season. Even still, not all five spots are filled with players that give a passer immediate confidence.

Defensively, this group has transcended quickly. New York does not have much holes on a fun defense. But in this particular offseason, the Jets have many pending free agents on the interior defensive line.

Possible Fits: Daniel Brunskill, Dalvin Tomlinson

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As a former San Francisco 49ers assistant, Robert Saleh has already added former 49ers in the past. Perhaps, a former San Francisco blocker could be added to the Jets offensive line. Daniel Brunskill was a bit of an unknown originally. But in the last four years, he has been able to play multiple positions upfront in a pinch.

Dalvin Tomlinson has been incredibly steady since entering the league. With both the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings, Tomlinson has continued to produce as a run stuffer. There will always be spots for gap-plugging defensive tackles. Given his continued success, Tomlinson would be perfect for the Jets, as they get set to fill holes at the position.

Be on the lookout for more FPC NFL articles and analysis in the coming days. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.