AFC East Notes: Leonhard Sets Defensive Tone in Buffalo, Tua’s Future in Miami, Milton Sounds Off on Patriots Exit
There’s no such thing as a quiet offseason in the AFC East, and this week brought no shortage of insight from inside the division. From Buffalo’s new defensive direction to Miami’s quarterback uncertainty and a former Patriot airing grievances, let’s break it all down.
Buffalo’s Defense to Get Aggressive Under Jim Leonhard
New Bills defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard isn’t wasting time establishing his identity. In his own words, this defense is going to “attack the football” and put pressure on opposing offenses to adjust. That’s not just coach-speak - it’s a clear philosophical shift toward aggression, disruption, and playing on the front foot.
Leonhard’s approach fits a team that’s long been built around veteran savvy and smart, disciplined play. But after some postseason heartbreaks, it’s clear Buffalo is ready to turn up the heat. Expect more blitzes, more disguised looks, and a defense that tries to dictate the terms instead of reacting.
One player Leonhard seems especially excited about? Rookie safety Cole Bishop.
“I was a very big fan of Cole coming out of college,” Leonhard said. That’s a strong endorsement from a former standout safety himself.
Bishop brings size, range, and a physical edge to the back end - traits that could thrive in Leonhard’s attack-minded scheme.
On the offensive side, head coach Joe Brady confirmed that several key assistants are staying on board, including running backs coach Kelly Skipper, tight ends coach Rob Boras, and assistant offensive line coach Austin Gund. DJ Mangas and others are also returning, though final titles and responsibilities are still being sorted out. Continuity on the offensive staff could prove crucial as Brady puts his stamp on the unit heading into his first full season at the helm.
Tua’s Status in Miami? Still TBD, Says OC Bobby Slowik
Down in Miami, offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik had plenty of praise for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa - but stopped short of naming him the 2026 starter.
“We’re going to try to push competition as often as we can at every single spot,” Slowik said. That’s a pretty standard offseason mantra, but when it comes to the quarterback position, those words carry weight.
Slowik, who joined the Dolphins after a stint with the 49ers, spoke highly of how Tua handled a tough 2025 campaign. “I know last year was a difficult year for him without a doubt, for a lot of different reasons,” he said. “What jumped out to me was the grace he handled that with... you can’t say enough about that.”
Still, when asked about the root of Tua’s struggles, Slowik didn’t offer specifics. “It’s never as simple as one thing,” he said. “I could not pinpoint any specific area, not really.”
That ambiguity leaves the door open for competition - and potentially change - at quarterback. Whether that means the Dolphins are eyeing the draft, free agency, or simply looking to push Tua with internal options, it’s clear the position isn’t locked in just yet.
Joe Milton Felt “Disrespected” by Patriots’ QB Decision
Meanwhile, in New England, former Patriots quarterback Joe Milton isn’t holding back about how things ended for him in Foxborough.
Speaking on WEEI, Milton said he felt “disrespected” when the team elevated rookie Drake Maye to the starting role but kept veteran Jacoby Brissett as the backup - despite Milton taking the practice reps alongside Maye.
“When you move Drake up to start, what should Jacoby now do? He got his job took,” Milton said.
“But you don’t do that. You keep him at the [No.] 2 because he’s the vet.
But he’s not taking reps. It’s just me and Drake the only ones practicing, but he’s still the two.
I just felt disrespected.”
Milton eventually requested a trade and landed with the Dallas Cowboys. His comments shed some light on the internal dynamics in New England’s quarterback room last season - and hint at the challenges of managing a depth chart that includes a high-profile rookie, a seasoned veteran, and a young player trying to find his footing.
Final Thoughts
The AFC East is in transition across the board. Buffalo is retooling its defense under a new voice with a clear vision.
Miami is navigating uncertainty at the game’s most important position. And New England is still dealing with the ripple effects of a quarterback shuffle that didn’t sit well with everyone involved.
It’s February, but the groundwork for the 2026 season is already being laid - and the storylines are only heating up.