NFL free agency is deep into its second week, and the AFC East landscape is shifting.
With so much movement — from free-agent signings to re-signings and trades — here’s a look at each team’s best and worst moves, plus a free agent to target in the second wave. (Contract figures from Spotrac.)
Buffalo Bills
Best signing: Corner Dee Alford (Three years, $15.7M) | An underrated signing, he immediately slots into defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard’s revamped defense as the nickel/slot corner. In 2025 with the Falcons, Alford had a career-high three interceptions. He’s only 28 and is a low-risk, high-reward starter who upgrades the secondary without breaking the bank.
Worst signing: Edge-rusher Bradley Chubb (Three years, $43.5M) | 2025 was his first full 17-game season since his rookie year. Chubb, who will turn 30 on June 26, has missed 43 games in six seasons. Paying a soon-to-be-30-year-old edge-rusher big money is risky, especially after the Von Miller and Joey Bosa experiments.
Free agent to target: WR Brandin Cooks | Cooks joined the Bills late in the 2025 season. Re-signing him to a veteran-minimum, one-year deal would be ideal. He would be a reliable veteran who’s familiar with QB Josh Allen. He’s a solid option on third down and in the red zone.
Miami Dolphins
Best signing: QB Malik Willis (Three years, $67.5M) | Willis stands out as the clear highlight — and the defining move — of Miami’s offseason. In limited action in 2025 with Green Bay, he flashed his dual-threat ability — combining arm strength, mobility and improved decision-making (85.7% completion rate).
Worst signing: Edge-rusher Joshua Uche (One year, $1.4M) | The Dolphins didn’t make a lot of flashy moves after signing Willis, but the riskiest or least impactful move is bringing in former Eagle Uche on a one-year, prove-it deal. His lack of production, injury history and scheme fit are concerning.
Free agent to target: WR DeAndre Hopkins | After the trade of Jayden Waddle, the Dolphins may have the worst receiving corps in the league. They’ve added Tutu Atwell and Jalen Tolbert, but they still lack that veteran presence and leadership. Hopkins showed flashes in 2025 with the Ravens (22 catches, 330 yards).
New England Patriots
Best signing: Safety Kevin Byard (One year, $7M) | Byard earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2025, posting seven interceptions and eight pass breakups, and the Patriots landed him on a strong deal. He’s a perfect fit for Vrabel’s system: a savvy leader, vocal communicator and versatile coverage asset who can play deep or in the box.
Worst signing: WR Romeo Doubs (Four years, $68M) | Doubs is a solid receiving option, but not at the price. He isn’t a true No. 1 burner or separator, but with Drake Maye at quarterback, anything is possible.
Free agent to target: Edge-rusher Joey Bosa | Despite his long injury history, he can still be elite. Bosa, who played for the Bills in 2025, has experience on aggressive fronts that align with HC Mike Vrabel’s defensive philosophy. At this stage of his career, he’d be an affordable option with risk but high reward.
New York Jets
Best signing: CB Nahshon Wright (One year, $3.5M) | Wright stands out as the steal of the class — and arguably one of the best value signings so far. For a secondary that recorded zero interceptions in 2025, Wright has strong ball skills and bump-and-run prowess — perfect for HC Aaron Glenn’s aggressive style.
Worst signing: Edge-rusher Joseph Ossai (Three years, $34.5M) | This seems like a desperate signing after trading Jermaine Johnson. Ossai, who played for the Bengals last season, is another high-reward bet on youth/upside, but the price tag makes it risky.
Free agent to target: WR Deebo Samuel | He is one of the top remaining free agents. The 30-year-old is coming off a solid 2025 stint with Washington (72 receptions, 727 yards and five touchdown catches). He has good yards-after-the-catch ability and physicality after the catch; Samuel would be an ideal WR2 alongside Garrett Wilson.