AFC East 2026: Patriots Aim for Repeat, Bills and Jets Retool for Redemption
The AFC East is no place for the faint of heart. As training camps open across the division, the defending champion New England Patriots are gearing up to prove last year's run was no fluke. But the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and New York Jets are all reloading with new faces and fresh schemes. Here is the straight-up, no-nonsense preview of what to expect when the pads start popping.
Buffalo Bills: Can Joe Brady Deliver the Super Bowl?
First-year head coach Joe Brady has one job: get Josh Allen to the Super Bowl. Period. The Bills added DJ Moore, a true No. 1 receiver, after trading Stefon Diggs. Bradley Chubb jumps ship from Miami to bolster the pass rush. But the defense is switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4 under new coordinator Jim Leonhard, which means some veterans might not fit. Position battles at left guard, cornerback, punter, and backup quarterback will decide if this team has the depth to challenge for the title.
Miami Dolphins: Tank or Compete?
New coach Jeff Hafley and GM Jon-Eric Sullivan cleaned house. Tua Tagovailoa is gone, taking a record $99.2 million dead cap hit with him. Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill are out too. The new franchise quarterback is Malik Willis, a former Titans castoff with just three career starts. The Dolphins drafted 13 players, including three in the top 43 picks. The question is simple: Is this a tank job, or can Willis surprise? The answer will shape the 2027 draft chatter.
New England Patriots: Repeat or Regress?
Coach Mike Vrabel had a tumultuous offseason off the field, but on it, he added weapons for MVP runner-up Drake Maye. A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs are the new receivers. Alijah Vera-Tucker and rookie Caleb Lomu bolster the line. Safety Kevin Byard led the NFL with seven interceptions last year. The Patriots were called a fluke with an easy schedule. They can use that as fuel. But Super Bowl losers often regress. The key is whether left tackle Will Campbell improves after allowing nine sacks as a rookie, and if cornerback Christian Gonzalez ends his contract hold-in.
New York Jets: Geno Smith Returns
Turn back the clock. Geno Smith is the Jets' starting quarterback for the first time since 2016. The defense, which had zero interceptions last season, has been overhauled with edge rushers Joseph Ossai and Kingsley Enagbare, plus safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Three first-round picks join the roster: edge David Bailey, tight end Kenyon Sadiq, and receiver Omar Cooper Jr. But can Smith replicate his Pro Bowl form from Seattle, or will he throw 17 picks like he did with the Raiders? The Jets also have a kicker battle between Jason Sanders and Cade York. Coach Aaron Glenn is on the hot seat after replacing half his assistants.
FAQ
Who is the favorite to win the AFC East in 2026?
The New England Patriots are the defending champions, but the Bills with Josh Allen and the retooled Jets are close behind. The Patriots' easy schedule last year raises questions about their true strength.
What is the biggest story in the AFC East this training camp?
The biggest story is the Miami Dolphins' complete rebuild after cutting Tua Tagovailoa and trading their star receivers. Whether they are tanking or competing will define the season.
How did the Jets improve their defense?
The Jets added multiple edge rushers, defensive tackles, and safeties, including Minkah Fitzpatrick. They also drafted three first-round picks to shore up the pass rush and secondary.