Yet again, the Buffalo Bills were the best team in the AFC East, and it wasn’t particularly close as the rest of the division struggled mightily. While the Dolphins stayed alive for a bit in the playoff hunt, they were a shell of the team from the previous season as injuries piled up with QB Tua Tagovailoa’s future health in serious question. The Jets were the biggest disappointment of all. With a healthy Aaron Rodgers, they still managed to fire their head coach and GM midway through the season. They will have a full turnover this offseason after parting ways with Rodgers following two failed years. As for the Patriots, they at least seem to have their base intact despite firing their head coach. Here’s our 2025 AFC East team needs analysis.
New England Patriots
Needs: OT, WR, Edge, CB
The Patriots will make it their mission to build around QB Drake Maye. They already brought in a major upgrade with new head coach Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniel has an excellent track record as an offensive coordinator. The Pats have lacked a legit number one wide receiver for quite some time. Tee Higgins could be the answer to their problems as a guy who is hoping to get WR1 cash and, when healthy, will give you the output that you expect. Picking fourth in the draft, they could either address their offensive line or get Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter who can contribute mainly in the secondary with the offense likely stealing him for a few designed plays.
New York Jets
Needs: QB, DT, OT, S
After the breakup with Aaron Rodgers, they will need to start fresh at the QB position. Rodgers was incredibly underwhelming in his lone healthy season for the Jets. For new head coach Aaron Glenn, it would be in the team’s best interest to trade up from the 7th pick to try and get Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders. Perhaps they will try to sign Kirk Cousins or give Sam Darnold a second chance in NY. Regardless of what direction they go at QB, they also need line help on both sides of the ball. The Jets have a lot of issues, but most importantly they need a new leader and a new voice as they enter a new era after moving on from the Rodgers disaster.
Miami Dolphins
Needs: WR, S, DT, OG
The Dolphins are preparing to embark on an interesting offseason as they must manage the contract of WR Tyreek Hill who seemingly wants out of Miami. What is the trade compensation for a guy over 30 who is coming off a down year? It’s tough for the Fins to sell low on Hill who they gave up five draft picks to get and made him one of the highest paid wide receivers in the process. The Dolphins have been lackluster the last two seasons. Improving defensively should be their focus. The secondary and the guys up front simply aren’t getting the job done and that’s what must be addressed before they make any other significant moves. Of course, none of this addresses Tua’s health concerns.
Buffalo Bills
Needs: DT, WR, Edge, CB
Another successful regular season that ended with the Chiefs sending the Bills home in the postseason. It is tough to be a Bills fan as they fail to get over that hump time and time again. The Bills brought in Amari Cooper during the season to add to the receiving corps, but it didn’t add much. The Bills need another legit receiver for Allen to round out their offense before turning their attention to defense. How do you stop Patrick Mahomes? It starts with a legit pass rush and 1-2 guys on the cover side of things to tie up his receivers.