AFC East Notebook: Bills Restructure, Dolphins Build, Patriots Thrive Under Vrabel
Buffalo Bills: Front Office Shakeup, Roster Changes on the Horizon
The winds of change are blowing through Buffalo. After parting ways with longtime head coach Sean McDermott, the Bills made a bold move by promoting general manager Brandon Beane to president of football operations-a decision that raised eyebrows across league circles. While Beane has been a central figure in Buffalo’s recent success, the timing and direction of this promotion suggest the organization is doubling down on his vision, even as they pivot into a new era.
One of the early signs of that shift? Expect a significant roster overhaul.
According to league sources, Buffalo is expected to make several moves this offseason, and one name that could be on the outs is fullback Reggie Gilliam. The Bills reportedly aren’t keen on bringing Gilliam back at his current $3.5 million annual price tag, and there’s a growing sense he could find a better opportunity elsewhere.
One team to keep an eye on? The Ravens-who have a history of valuing versatile, physical fullbacks like Gilliam.
Meanwhile, Buffalo’s new head coach isn’t exactly new to the building. Joe Brady, who took over as offensive coordinator midseason, has now been officially elevated to the top job.
Brady will continue to call plays in 2026, a move that signals continuity on offense even as the team undergoes broader structural changes. It’s a big vote of confidence in Brady’s offensive mind-and a clear sign the Bills believe they still have the core to compete, even as they retool.
Miami Dolphins: Rookie Lessons, Coaching Additions, and the Tua Question
Down in Miami, 2025 second-round pick Jonah Savaiinaea got a full crash course in life as an NFL lineman. The rookie guard started all 17 games, but he’s the first to admit the season didn’t go quite the way he’d hoped.
“Definitely this season was not to my expectations or the standard I wanted to begin my career with,” Savaiinaea said. But there’s a silver lining-he finished the year stronger than he started, and he’s already locked in on what needs work.
His focus this offseason? Becoming a “heavy-puncher”-a lineman who can strike with power and control the point of attack.
“That’s something I need to fix,” he said. He’s also zeroing in on improving his hand quickness and generating more power-two traits that could take his game to the next level in Year 2.
To help with that development, the Dolphins are turning to a new voice in the offensive line room. Houston Texans assistant OL coach Zach Yenser has been hired to take over the position in Miami. Yenser brings a fresh perspective and will be tasked with helping Savaiinaea and the rest of the young line take a step forward.
There’s also a shakeup higher up the offensive food chain. Bobby Slowik has been promoted to offensive coordinator after serving as the team’s passing game coordinator.
According to reports, Slowik is expected to play a significant role in determining whether the Dolphins move forward with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. That decision looms large for a franchise that’s seen flashes of brilliance from Tua-but also plenty of questions about his long-term fit.
New England Patriots: Vrabel’s Culture Shift Pays Off
The Patriots are heading to the Super Bowl, and it’s not just about schemes or talent-it’s about culture. Head coach Mike Vrabel, who took over in the offseason after a six-year stint with the Titans, has brought a different kind of leadership to Foxborough. And players are buying in.
Center Garrett Bradbury offered a glimpse into Vrabel’s approach. “For Vrabel to have the awareness to say, ‘Listen, we’re going to take 45 minutes, and instead of talking ball, we’re going to find out who we are,’ that was so rewarding,” Bradbury said. “You play better, you play harder when you know the guys you’re going to war with.”
That human-first mentality has resonated throughout the locker room. Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte echoed the sentiment, pointing to last offseason as the moment the team began to turn the corner.
“When you know what the guy beside you went through in order to be here today, it makes you want to play for him more,” Boutte said. “So it all started with Vrabel.”
Now, with a Super Bowl berth in hand, it’s clear that Vrabel’s approach has done more than just win hearts-it’s helped win games. The Patriots are back in the big dance, and their identity is as strong as it’s been in years.
Final Thoughts
From Buffalo’s front office shake-up to Miami’s developmental focus and New England’s culture-driven resurgence, the AFC East is anything but quiet this offseason. Each team is charting a different course, but one thing’s for sure: the division is shaping up to be a battleground once again in 2026.