As the 2026 NFL season approaches, the AFC East is set for a dynamic campaign with several teams under new leadership and undergoing substantial roster changes.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills enter the season with Joe Brady as their new head coach. The team has focused on addressing its receiving corps by acquiring DJ Moore, who joins after a career-worst season with the Bears. On defense, the Bills have bolstered their secondary with the additions of cornerback Jay Alford and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. However, they lost key players including left guard David Edwards and cornerback Taron Johnson, who secured lucrative deals with other teams. Quarterback Mitch Trubisky also departed to reunite with former coordinator Brian Daboll in Tennessee.
Brady, promoted from offensive coordinator, faces the immediate challenge of guiding the Bills to a Super Bowl. The team's defensive scheme will transition to a 3-4 base front under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, potentially impacting some returning starters. Position battles are expected at left guard, cornerback, punter, and backup quarterback, where the competition is between Kyle Allen and Shane Buechele for the role behind MVP candidate Josh Allen.
Miami Dolphins
Jeff Hafley takes the helm as the new head coach for the Miami Dolphins, with Jon-Eric Sullivan stepping in as general manager. Their first major move was acquiring quarterback Malik Willis. The Dolphins also made a significant draft class, selecting 13 players, including top 43 picks offensive tackle Kayden Proctor, cornerback Chris Johnson, and linebacker Jacob Rodriguez. The wide receiver group sees competition from Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell, and rookies Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell, alongside edge rusher Josh Uche.
The Dolphins underwent a significant roster overhaul, notably trading away quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, wide receivers Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, and tight ends Darren Waller and Julian Hill. The offensive line will also see changes with the departures of Cole Strange, Larry Borom, and James Daniels. Defensive stars Bradley Chubb and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick have also moved to division rivals.
The key question for the Dolphins is whether Willis can establish himself as an above-average starter and silence speculation about the team's quarterback prospects. The defense faces pressure to improve its pass rush, with a need for progression from former first-round picks Kenneth Grant and Chop Robinson.
New England Patriots
Mike Vrabel enters his second year as head coach of the New England Patriots with ambitions of repeating as division champions. The team has made significant offensive acquisitions, trading for wide receiver A.J. Brown and acquiring Romeo Doubs, while adding offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker and rookie tackle Caleb Lomu to bolster protection for NFL MVP runner-up Drake Maye. Fullback Reggie Gilliam and safety Kevin Byard, who led the league in interceptions last season, are also new additions. Defensive tackle Dre’Mont Jones is expected to strengthen the pass rush.
Key departures include wide receiver Stefon Diggs, outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson, quarterback Josh Dobbs, and several defensive players. The Patriots are looking to build on their success from the previous season, which they aim to prove was not a fluke despite a favorable schedule. A point of attention will be the development of left tackle Will Campbell and the contract dispute involving cornerback Christian Gonzalez.
New York Jets
The New York Jets are bringing back Geno Smith as their starting quarterback for the first time since 2016. The team has heavily invested in rebuilding its defense, acquiring edge rushers Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare, defensive tackles T’Vondre Sweat and David Onyemata, linebacker Demario Davis, and defensive backs Nahshon Wright, Dane Belton, and Minkah Fitzpatrick. The offensive line returns four starters and adds Dylan Parham. The Jets also used three first-round picks on edge rusher David Bailey, tight end Kenyon Sadiq, and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr.
The Jets saw significant departures, including quarterbacks Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor. Offensive guards John Simpson and Alijah Vera-Tucker have also moved on, as has linebacker Quincy Williams. Kicker Nick Folk has also left the team.
This season, the Jets will evaluate whether Smith can recapture his Pro Bowl form or if he will replicate his turnover-prone performance from his last stint. The emergence of Cooper and Adonai Mitchell as complements to wide receiver Garrett Wilson will be crucial. Position battles include quarterback 2 between Bailey Zappe and Cade Klubnik, and kicker between Jason Sanders and Cade York. Head coach Aaron Glenn will also take over defensive playcalling duties, aiming to improve the team's performance.