For the past four seasons, the Buffalo Bills have lorded over the AFC East.
In 2024, that may not be the case.
While Buffalo deserves to be considered the favorite headed into the summer, the offseason has seen all three teams gain on the Bills to some extent.
NFC South offseason report card | AFC West offseason report card | NFC West offseason report card | NFC North offseason report card | AFC South offseason report card
For the New York Jets, it was fixing the offensive line in front of Aaron Rodgers. For the Miami Dolphins, the goal was to shuffle the roster amid free-agent losses and bargain-bin signings. For the New England Patriots, it was a full-blown facelift.
Let’s run down the grades of each team’s offseason to this juncture.
New England Patriots
Offseason grade: B+
Key additions: QB Drake Maye, WR K.J. Osborn, QB Jacoby Brissett, WR Ja’Lynn Polk, WR Javon Baker
Key departures: OT Trent Brown, QB Mac Jones, WR DeVante Parker
A complete offensive overhaul was needed from new GM Eliot Wolf, and he didn’t disappoint.
While New England has a long road ahead, the Patriots did well to draft Maye in the first round before selecting Polk and Baker. New England was also able to re-sign Kendrick Bourne while adding Osborn from the Minnesota Vikings.
On the offensive line, New England brought back tackle Mike Onwenu while bookending him with rookie tackle Caeden Wallace.
Defensively, New England should be better simply by getting healthier. Last season, the Patriots lost edge rusher Matthew Judon and star rookie corner Christian Gonzalez in the early going, hampering the unit throughout the campaign. With those two slated to be ready for the offseason program, look for immediate improvement.
The Patriots are also strong in the secondary after retaining safety Kyle Dugger, pairing him with Gabriel Peppers on the back end.
