The four teams in the AFC East all had some splashes in the big free agency frenzy. Some were bigger than others, but nonetheless, all four added some talent for the 2025 season and beyond. Even though the Buffalo Bills didn’t have the most cap space going into free agency, they made room with multiple contract extensions that they gave out to guys like Khalil Shakir, Terrel Bernard, Greg Rousseau, and Josh Allen.
Buffalo’s biggest free agency acquisition was the signing of edge rusher Joey Bosa, inking him to a one-year, $12.6 million deal that brings him to Orchard Park from Los Angeles. Bosa spent nine years with the Chargers and established himself as one of the best pass rushers in the games when he was on the field.
Buffalo also brought in players like Joshua Palmer, Michael Hoecht, Darrick Forrest, and Dane Jackson. The Bills brought in players who can help fill in some gaps, but the ultimate win for them was keeping their in-house guys with massive contract extensions.
Even though the Bills should be proud of the moves that they were able to make, there are some AFC East signings by the Jets, Dolphins, and Patriots that should make them a little bit jealous if not a lot.
4 AFC East signings that should make Buffalo Bills jealous
Dolphins signing LB Tyrel Dodson
The first one on this list involves a former Buffalo Bill who has found a new home in Miami. Linebacker Tyrel Dodson spent four years in Buffalo from 2020-2023 before moving on to join the Seattle Seahawks, and then the Miami Dolphins. For some reason, the Seahawks decided to waive Dodson and the Dolphins were smart to pick him up.
Dodson is now back in Miami for atleast two more years after re-signing with them. He had a career-high 107 total tackles last season (71 with the Seahawks). Even though the Bills extended Terrel Bernard, and still have both Dorian Williams and Matt Milano, Dodson coming back to Buffalo would have brought in fantastic competition. Instead, he will line up against the Bills again.
Patriots signing CB Carlton Davis
The New England Patriots were the biggest spenders of free agency, and it makes sense considering how they had the most cap space entering the frenzy. The Patriots spent big on defense at all three levels and their biggest secondary acquisition was cornerback Carlton Davis.
Going from Tampa Bay, to Detroit and now New England, Davis is still in his prime and he cashed in on a three-year, $60 million deal with the Pats. This is a good payday for a guy that has never played a full season in his entire career.
However, that doesn’t seem to matter seeing as how he has only given up a 57% completion percentage over the last four years. He is one of the more underrated defensive backs in the league and now he will be showing why in Foxborough.
Jets signing S Andre Cisco
The Jets have lost more than they gained this offseason, but it makes sense considering that they are starting from the bottom (once again) with a new regime. Their biggest free agent signing was bringing in quarterback Justin Fields, but it wasn’t one of their best.
The Jets signed safety Andre Cisco, who has spent the last four seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Now he is up in New York on a one-year deal. Cisco has worked his way up as a full-time starter the last three years and has become a bit of a ballhawk with 8 career interceptions.
Signing Cisco brings stability to the Jets’ secondary and putting him behind someone like Sauce Gardner on the field is going to make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks.
Patriots signing WR Stefon Diggs
Of course Stefon Diggs had to make this list. Yes, I know he got paid a lot of money after tearing his ACL last season, but the Patriots upgraded their wide receiver room with Diggs. After spending last season with the Houston Texans, Diggs is returning to the AFC East and will see his former team twice a year.
With the New England signing Diggs, it gives their potential franchise guy in Drake Maye a true number one wideout, and this wideout is looking to prove that he can get back to the player he once was when he was with the Bills.
Bills fans may have their opinions on Diggs and how his departure was unfriendly. You can also say that the Bills have proven that they are better off without him, but now having to face him twice a year will be a problem.