AFC East Offseason Outlook: Bills Look to Trim Cap, Jets Face Key Free Agent Decisions, Patriots’ Hawkins Eyes Return
As the offseason heats up, the AFC East is already buzzing with roster decisions, cap maneuvering, and big-picture planning. The Bills are staring down a salary cap crunch, the Jets are weighing their options with several key free agents, and the Patriots are hoping to keep a rising defensive playmaker in the fold. Let’s break it all down.
Buffalo Bills: Cap Crunch and Tough Choices Ahead
The Bills are heading into the offseason $7.449 million over the salary cap, and the front office has some serious financial gymnastics ahead if they want to stay competitive in 2026. But the good news? There are multiple levers they can pull to free up space-and they don’t all involve painful cuts.
The most obvious move is restructuring Josh Allen’s contract. By prorating his base salary over the next five years, Buffalo could free up $12.16 million. It’s a common tactic for franchise quarterbacks, and with Allen entrenched as the face of the team, it’s a logical first step.
There’s more wiggle room on the offensive line, too. Right tackle Spencer Brown could have his base salary restructured to open up $4.74 million, while left tackle Dion Dawkins could free up a significant $10.624 million with a similar move. On the defensive side, converting base salaries into bonuses for edge rusher Greg Rousseau ($2.964 million) and defensive tackle Ed Oliver ($8.55 million) would provide further relief.
Then there’s the matter of potential cuts. Tight end Dawson Knox stands out as a major cap casualty candidate, with a release saving the team $9.664 million. Wide receiver Curtis Samuel might be the most straightforward move-cutting him would clear $6.055 million, and with Buffalo expected to pursue upgrades at the position, that money could be reallocated quickly.
Safety Taylor Rapp’s $3.075 million in potential savings could be too tempting to ignore, while running back Ty Johnson ($2.455 million), kicker Tyler Bass ($2.93 million), linebacker Dorian Williams ($3.6 million), and wide receiver Josh Palmer ($5.31 million, post-June 1) are all on the radar as possible cuts.
It’s going to be a busy few weeks for GM Brandon Beane and the front office. The Bills are still in their championship window, but staying there means making some tough calls now.
New York Jets: Free Agency Decisions Loom Large
The Jets have a long list of decisions to make this offseason, starting with their top free agents. At the top of that list?
Running back Breece Hall. He’s expected to draw interest across the league, and if the Jets want to keep him in green and white, the franchise tag might be their best bet.
Guard Alijah Vera-Tucker comes next. Injuries have limited his impact, and he may be looking at a prove-it deal elsewhere. Meanwhile, fellow guard John Simpson could be a more cost-effective option to retain as the team’s starter at left guard.
Linebacker Quincy Williams is another name to watch. After reported friction with coaches Steve Wilks and Aaron Curry, Williams has told some that he played his final games with the Jets this past season. A fresh start may be best for both sides.
Veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor is also unlikely to return. The Jets appear poised to go in a different direction under center, and Taylor’s time in New York seems to be coming to a close.
Safety Andre Cisco has starting-caliber talent, but it doesn’t look like that opportunity will come in New York. The Jets are expected to revamp the safety group, which also includes free agent Tony Adams.
Rounding out the list are defensive end Micheal Clemons, veteran kicker Nick Folk (who could return on a one-year deal), and return specialist Kene Nwangwu.
Several of those players-Taylor, Simpson, Cisco, and Williams-had their contracts void on February 12, signaling that the Jets are already preparing for significant turnover.
As for what’s next at quarterback, SNY’s Connor Hughes expects the Jets to pursue a veteran bridge option. Falcons QB Kirk Cousins could be a free-agent target, while Cardinals QB Jacoby Brissett is a potential trade candidate.
Hughes also sees a need behind Garrett Wilson at receiver. Giants WR Wan’Dale Robinson and Colts WR Alec Pierce are both on the radar, though Pierce’s projected price tag-potentially over $20 million per year-might be too steep for New York.
On defense, new head coach Aaron Glenn could look to bring in familiar faces. Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone and cornerback Amik Robertson are two names to watch, especially as Glenn looks to pair experienced veterans with young talent from the draft.
New England Patriots: Hawkins Wants to Run It Back
Patriots safety Jaylinn Hawkins is set to hit free agency after a breakout season that saw him notch a career-high four interceptions. But if it’s up to him, he’s not going anywhere.
“Most definitely, man. This is home,” Hawkins said. “My brother’s on the back end, my brother’s on the defense - this whole team, we’re so close.”
Hawkins was part of a Patriots squad that pulled off one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent memory-going from 4-13 in 2024 to reaching the Super Bowl in 2025. For Hawkins, the season was about more than just wins.
“It was fun just being out there with my brothers every week,” he said. “Winning for most of the season, executing, growing together. The relationships we built, how close we got, it’s special.”
And Hawkins doesn’t think the Patriots are done yet.
“I feel like it’s only up from here,” he said. “We have a pedigree now, identity, and stuff like that. So the culture-you just want to build off that.”
With a strong locker room, a reestablished identity, and young talent continuing to develop, New England could be setting the stage for sustained success. Re-signing Hawkins would be a smart step in keeping that momentum going.
Bottom Line
The AFC East is shaping up to be one of the most compelling divisions this offseason. The Bills are navigating a cap situation that demands precision, the Jets are facing a crossroads with key free agents and quarterback uncertainty, and the Patriots are looking to keep their core intact after a magical run. Buckle up-this division is just getting started.