There’s been a reversal of fortunes in the AFC East this offseason. For the first time in decades, the Buffalo Bills are in the driver’s seat, while the rest of the division is playing catch up.
Buffalo has retained every significant free agent on its roster, speaking to the strength of its operation and culture.
That trend continued Tuesday with the re-signing of speedster Isaiah McKenzie, the latest stalwart to re-up with Buffalo, while presumably spurning other suitors. Coming off a breakout five-touchdown campaign, there’s little doubt McKenzie could’ve gotten more money and opportunity elsewhere. But he opted to stay with the Bills, where he slots in as the No. 4 option — behind Stefon Diggs, Gabriel Davis and newly acquired Emmanuel Sanders.
The New England Patriots spent a combined $37 million on wideouts Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne, never mind the nearly $90 million they allocated towards tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry.
Over in New Jersey, the New York Jets have spent $75 million in free agency, including $37.5 million Corey Davis ($27 million guaranteed).
Yet, the Bills undoubtedly boast the best receiving corps in the division, and they only spent $6 million on Sanders. That’s what happens when you have the No. 2 passing attack in the NFL. The upgrades can take place on the margins, while the core sits and gets ready to explode.
Make no mistake: Sanders signing with Buffalo is a huge stamp of approval for the franchise. The veteran wideout only plays with winners, catching passes in his career from Ben Roethlisberger, Peyton Manning, and most recently, Drew Brees. He’s appeared in three Super Bowls, winning one of them.
Given Sanders’ praise of Buffalo’s offense, it’s apparent he expects the Bills to be another winner.
The biggest reason, of course, is Josh Allen. As we’ve seen in Buffalo, free agency splurges mean nothing when there’s no quarterback in place. Bringing in Mario Williams was exciting, but it meant nothing, since the likes of E.J. Manual and Kyle Orton were under center.
Despite all of the Patriots’ additions, they’re still missing a quarterback who can throw the ball downfield (sorry, Cam Newton). The Jets are counting on drafting their quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick, but even the best young pass-throwers aren’t always ready to win at first. It took Josh Allen three years to develop into one of the game’s best, and that was with a great coaching staff by his side.
Who knows how long Robert Saleh will last with the Jets? History says not for long.
The Miami Dolphins entered free agency with the second-fewest holes, adding 14 depth pieces so far. The biggest addition was wideout Will Fuller, who inked a one-year deal worth $10.5 million, along with backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett.
However, the quarterback situation remains unsettled in Miami, despite Tua Tagovailoa’s presence. Remember, Ryan Fitzpatrick was spelling him for late-game relief as recently as Week 15.
With the NFL Draft approaching, the Bills will have more opportunities to add to their AFC Championship roster. Cornerback Tre’Davious White recently converted his base salary into a signing bonus, meaning Buffalo now owns an additional $7.56 million of cap space.
They’ll use it to keep adding ornaments, while the rest of the division is still trying to find a sturdy tree.
