Dolphins’ Offseason Moves Signal Stability in AFC East Hierarchy-And That’s Good News for the Bills
While much of the AFC East spotlight has understandably been on the New England Patriots following their Super Bowl LX appearance, it’s the Miami Dolphins who may be doing the most to keep the division’s power structure right where it is. And for the Buffalo Bills, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Miami made headlines this offseason by hiring former Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley as their new head coach. Hafley’s defensive chops are legit-he was one of the more coveted candidates across the league-and there’s reason to believe he’ll bring some much-needed structure to a defense that’s been inconsistent. But it’s on the offensive side of the ball where things get a little murkier, and that’s where the Bills may find a silver lining.
Let’s start with the quarterback situation. Tua Tagovailoa’s future in Miami looks increasingly uncertain, with expectations pointing toward him playing elsewhere in 2026.
That alone puts the Dolphins in a tough spot. But the front office didn’t exactly make things easier with their latest coaching hires.
Miami announced that Kevin Patullo, formerly the Eagles’ passing game coordinator, will take on that same role under new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowick. On paper, that may sound like a fresh start. In reality, it’s a pairing that raises more questions than answers.
Slowick arrived with some shine after helping C.J. Stroud have a breakout rookie season in Houston.
But that glow dimmed quickly. Stroud regressed significantly in his second year, and Slowick was out of a job by the end of the campaign.
Now he’s tasked with revitalizing an offense in Miami that’s short on both answers and assets.
Patullo, for his part, was part of an Eagles offensive staff that oversaw a steep decline in 2025. The unit struggled across the board, and frustrations boiled over-most notably with A.J.
Brown, whose sideline outbursts became a weekly subplot and ultimately landed him on the trade block. That situation may even open the door for the Bills to make a move of their own, but that’s a conversation for another day.
Back in Miami, the problems run deeper than scheme or play-calling. Tyreek Hill, the Dolphins’ most explosive weapon, isn’t expected back next season.
Jaylen Waddle was heavily involved in trade rumors at the deadline. Outside of center Aaron Brewer, the offensive line is a patchwork group.
And while De’Von Achane is a bright spot at running back, he’s hardly enough to carry the load on his own.
So what does all this mean for Buffalo? Simply put, the Dolphins’ offseason decisions-particularly on offense-don’t suggest a team ready to challenge for the division crown. Hafley may help stabilize the defense, but the offensive staff looks like a gamble at best, and the roster isn’t doing them many favors.
For a Bills team looking to stay atop the AFC East, that’s welcome news. The Patriots may be the team to watch after their Super Bowl run, but Miami’s moves this offseason suggest they’re more likely to tread water than make waves. And in a division where every edge matters, that’s one less threat Buffalo has to worry about-for now.