As always, free agency has provided a number of exciting moves across the NFL. Teams are starting to build their rosters for the 2026 season, with all 32 franchises optimistic that this could be their year to lift the Lombardi Trophy. There have been so many moves around the NFL, so we thought it might be helpful to give you a little recap – starting with the AFC East.
New England Patriots
The Patriots exceeded all expectations last season, reaching Superbowl but coming up short, losing 29-13 to the Seattle Seahawks. Free Agency has definitely seen them improve their roster. Wide Receiver Romeo Doubs signed a four year deal worth up to $70 million and he’ll step up as the likely WR1 following the release of Stefon Diggs. Drake Maye will have a bit of extra protection this year as well following the acquisition of Alijah Vera-Tucker. On defence, notable acquisitions include Kevin Byard, who impressed at safety for the Chicago Bears last season, and Dre’Mont Jones, who performed well for the Baltimore Ravens in the second half of last year. Mike Vrabel will be hoping that these acquisitions will be enough to help the Patriots go one step further than last year and win their first Superbowl without Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills are heading into their first season without Sean McDermott at the helm since 2017. Their first bit of business was trading for receiver DJ Moore. The Bills acquired Moore and a 2026 5th round pick in exchange for a 2026 2nd round pick. The general consensus amongst Bills fans is that the former Bears and Panthers man could be the WR1 that Josh Allen has been crying out for since Stefon Diggs left. Another star signing that Bills fans will be hoping can be a big game player is Bradley Chubb, who signed a three year deal worth up to $43.5 million. Other defensive acquisitions include Geno Stone and CJ Gardner-Johnson, who will both hope to improve what has been a weaker secondary over the last few years. The Bills appointed Joe Brady as head coach during the off season, and the pressure will be on him straight away.
Miami Dolphins
It has been a bit of bizarre off- season so far for the Miami Dolphins. Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill were both released, while Jaylen Waddle was traded to the Denver Broncos and Minkah Fitzpatrick was sent to the New York Jets. Tagovailoa was quickly replaced in free agency, with Malik Willis signing a three year deal worth up to $67.5mil. Although he won’t have Hill or Waddle to throw the ball to, the Dolphins did acquire two new receivers in free agency. Tutu Atwell and Jalen Tolbert have signed after leaving the Rams and the Cowboys respectfully. Apart from that, there weren’t really any moves of note. The Dolphins picked up a couple of depth players, but it’s hard to see anything other than a long, tough season for Miami fans.
New York Jets
The Jets have focussed heavily on their defence in free agency this year, which is understandable after they became the first team in NFL history to go an entire season without recording an interception. They picked up cornerback Nahshon Wright from the Bears off the back of his league-leading eight takeaways in 2025. Alongside this, the trade to acquire safety Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Dolphins will also help sturdy up their secondary. Jets’ fans can also look forward to seeing Demario Davis again after the veteran linebacker signed a two year deal with the team that drafted him back in 2012. Another player who has returned to the Jets is Geno Smith, who was disappointing during his single season with the Raiders. It is Aaron Glenn’s second season with the Jets, and the defensive-minded coach will feel more confident heading into 2026 with a new look defence.
