When you look at the AFC East overall, there are only two teams that are expected to be great in 2026; the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots. These two teams are now expected to be competing for the division year-in and year-out since New England won the division from Buffalo last season and have their guy at quarterback in Drake Maye.
Then you have the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins, both who are expected to be among the worst in 2026 (once again). However, the Jets should atleast be able to put up a little bit of a fight. As for Miami, this is a team that has truly bought into a rebuild with a new regime with Jon-Eric Sullivan and Jeff Hafley.
However, we all know that anything can happen when it comes to division matchups, as the Bills found out the hard way when they split the season series with the Dolphins.
With training camp kicking off later this month, we were able to chat with Brian Miller from Phin Phanatic, who covers the Miami Dolphins, and Miller provided some pre-training camp insight for Bills fans.
Dolphins gives Bills fans valuable pre-training camp insights
1.) I have to admit, I respect the fact that the Dolphins decided to buy into a major rebuild with a new regime. However, the re-signing of De’Von Achane came as a bit of a surprise. Do you believe the Dolphins were right to extend him, or would have you liked to seen the Dolphins get even more draft capital for him?
"I could go either way, but having one of the most promising young runners in the league getting a contract extension he deserves was the absolute right message to send to the team. Achane could still be a huge part of this rebuild, and if things don’t go well in a couple of years, he will still have value in a trade. His contract is good for the Dolphins which helps a lot. I think in general, there are no guarantees with a draft pick, but there are great odds betting on Achane."
2.) With Jeff Hafley coming in as the head coach, what are realistic expectations that fans have of him in his first year?
"Given the fact the Dolphins have the second toughest schedule in the league this year, there are not high expectations. Miami could surprise a lot of teams, but the reality is they are looking at a potential of 4 games this season they can win. I think they will win six, but it’s going to be tough and require everyone to be on the same page and play well above their experience levels."
3.) Is there an acquisition that the Dolphins made this offseason that isn't getting a lot of love across the NFL world?
"In free agency? None. There is “hope” with Malik Willis, but that’s about it. The Dolphins draft is where they will earn their stripes. Chris Johnson in round one could be a late first steal. He has all the tools to be a shutdown corner at some point. In round two Jacob Rodriguez has the makings of an immediate impact player. The Dolphins are investing in their future and took some developmental risks, but if they pay off, this team will be really good in 2028, if not the end of next season in 2027."
4.) With the Dolphins signing Malik Willis to a three-year deal, some might say that the Dolphins didn't need to do that especially since Miami is destined to be one of the worst teams in 2026. Do you think that Willis has a legit shot to be the quarterback moving forward and even earn a second contract with the team?
"I actually think this is a brilliant move. Miami wants to install and identity and Willis has the leadership to help build that. He is a hard worker and brings a lot of energy. There are doubts that he can prove he is a franchise QB, but the Dolphins are in a win/win situation. They win if he succeeds, and if he doesn’t they will draft a high QB next season, they might regardless of how Willis plays this year. We look at Green Bay to understand their thinking."
"Willis is the now and he proves he can be the future, then great, but Miami also will draft a guy that they can develop from the bench, much like the Brett Favre - Aaron Rodgers - Jordan Love cycle in Green Bay."
5.) Last season, Buffalo and Miami surprisingly split the season series. Do you think that will be the case again this season?
"I don’t think that will happen, but with these two teams anything can happen. Miami has too much youth they will be relying upon this year and that will create a lot of mismatches the Dolphins will have to overcome. If they can split with Buffalo, it’s a good indication that this team is taking right steps to turn things around."
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