The AFC possesses greater than half a dozen of the NFL’s higher echelon quarterbacks, so don’t be shocked if this convention is essentially the most aggressive in 2022.
Especially after the development made by such groups because the Buffalo Bills (Von Miller), Denver Broncos (Russell Wilson), Los Angeles Chargers (Khalil Mack, J.C. Jackson), Las Vegas Raiders (Davante Adams), Cleveland Browns (Deshaun Watson) and Miami Dolphins (Tyreek Hill) have made this offseason.
Take a take a look at the important thing additions and departures from each AFC workforce, analyzing what groups improved essentially the most, and which of them stay stagnant. We additionally break down the highest 4 place wants for every workforce heading into the NFL draft.
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills
Additions: Added move rushers Von Miller and Shaq Lawson and defensive tackles DaQuan Jones, Tim Settle and Jordan Phillips, who ought to enhance the defensive entrance of a unit that completed as a top-five protection in 2022. Offensive deal with Rodger Saffold was signed to exchange Jon Feliciano. Tailback Duke Johnson and tight finish O.J. Howard have been added to enrich the offense.
Departures: Slot receiver Cole Beasley acquired waived, and Emmanuel Sanders stays a free agent. Buffalo re-signed Isaiah McKenzie and added Jamison Crowder as their replacements, however that’s a number of veteran savvy misplaced. The Bills additionally misplaced defensive deal with Harrison Phillips to the Vikings, and cornerback Levi Wallace to the Steelers.
Top Needs: CB, LB, OG, RB
Miami Dolphins
Additions: Miami traded three 2022 draft picks and two 2023 alternatives to accumulate Pro Bowl receiver Tyreek Hill. The Dolphins additionally signed offensive deal with Terron Armstead and offensive guard Connor Williams to enhance final yr’s troublesome offensive line. And Miami added tailbacks Chase Edmonds and Raheem Mostert to exchange Duke Johnson, Malcolm Brown and Phillip Lindsay. Receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. was signed to man the slot, and Teddy Bridgewater was added as Miami’s veteran quarterback.
Departures: DeVante Parker and a 2022 fifth-round decide have been traded to the New England Patriots for a 2023 third-round choice. Offensive guard Jesse Davis and receiver Allen Hurns have been waived to create cap area. Davis signed with the Vikings. Cornerback Justin Coleman signed with Seattle and veteran defensive again Jason McCourty stays a free agent.
Top Needs: ILB, EDGE, C, CB
New England Patriots
Additions: Cornerback Malcolm Butler returned to New England after spending three seasons with the Titans. The Patriots acquired receiver DeVante Parker and linebacker Mack Wilson in offseason trades, and signed security Jabrill Peppers. New England additionally re-signed offensive deal with Trent Brown, security Devin McCourty, kicker Nick Folk and linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley.
Departures: Pro Bowl cornerback J.C. Jackson signed with the Chargers. Offensive linemen Ted Karras signed with the Bengals and Shaq Mason was traded to the Buccaneers for a 2022 fifth-round decide. Linebackers Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins, who have been all starters final season, stay free brokers. And Chase Winovich was traded to the Browns.
Top Needs: CB, Edge, ILB, WR
New York Jets
Additions: The Jets added guard Laken Tomlinson and re-signed offensive tackles Conor McDermott and Dan Feeney. C.J. Uzomah and Tyler Conklin have been signed to improve the tight finish place. And the Jets additionally added defensive lineman Solomon Thomas, linebacker Jacob Martin, cornerback D.J. Reed and safeties Jordan Whitehead and Lamarcus Joyner.
Departures: Receiver Jamison Crowder signed with the Bills, additional depleting a lackluster receiver unit. Starting proper deal with Morgan Moses signed with the Ravens. Safety Marcus Maye signed with the Saints, and linebacker Jarrad Davis signed with the Lions.
Top Needs: OT, WR, LB, CB
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens
Additions: Safety Marcus Williams signed a large five-year, $70 million deal to affix the Ravens. Offensive deal with Morgan Moses was added to compete with a rehabbing Ja’Wuan James to grow to be Baltimore’s beginning proper deal with. And nostril deal with Michael Pierce was re-signed after spending one season with the Vikings.
Departures: Aged veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell stays a free agent, as does defensive deal with Brandon Williams, edge gamers Pernell McPhee and Justin Houston and receiver Sammy Watkins. Center Bradley Bozeman signed with the Panthers and cornerback Anthony Averett signed with the Raiders.
Top Needs: Edge, IOL, DL, CB
Cincinnati Bengals
Additions: The Bengals beefed up their troublesome offensive line by including proper deal with La’el Collins, offensive guard Alex Cappa and inside participant Ted Karras, who has began 49 video games the previous six seasons. Cincinnati additionally signed defensive deal with B.J. Hill, tight finish Hayden Hurst, re-signed cornerback Eli Apple, and used the franchise tag to retain security Jessie Bates.
Departures: Starting tight finish C.J. Uzomah signed a three-year, $24 million cope with the Jets. And receiver Auden Tate signed with the Falcons. Offensive linemen Trey Hopkins, Riley Reiff and Quinton Spain stay free brokers. Cornerbacks Vernon Hargreaves III, Trae Waynes and Tre Flowers are additionally nonetheless free brokers, and security Ricardo Allen retired.
Top Needs: CB, OL, DT, Edge
Cleveland Browns
Additions: Cleveland acquired Pro Bowl quarterback Deshaun Watson in a commerce with Houston that despatched the Texans three first-round picks (2022-24), a third-round decide (2024) and two fourth-round alternatives. The Browns additionally traded a 2022 fifth-round decide and swapped sixth-round alternatives with the Cowboys for receiver Amari Cooper, and signed receiver and return specialist Jakeem Grant. Cleveland additionally acquired move rusher Chase Winovich from the Patriots for linebacker Mack Wilson.
Departures: Tight finish Austin Hooper signed with the Titans and quarterback Case Keenum was traded to the Bills. The Browns launched beginning middle J.C. Tretter and receiver Jarvis Landry, who every are nonetheless free brokers. Defensive linemen Jadeveon Clowney, Takkarist McKinley and Malik Jackson all stay free brokers, as do security Ronnie Harrison and linebacker Malcolm Smith.
Top Needs: Edge, DT, WR, S,
Pittsburgh Steelers
Additions: Pittsburgh signed former Bears starter Mitch Trubisky to a two-year deal value $14.25 million and could have him compete with Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins for the beginning quarterback job. To enhance the Steelers’ troublesome offensive line, guard James Daniels signed a three-year, $26.5 million deal, and middle Mason Cole was added. The Steelers additionally added linebackers Myles Jack and Genard Avery, and cornerback Levi Wallace.
Departures: Ben Roethlisberger retired, and three of his former receivers — Juju Smith-Schuster (Chiefs), James Washington (Cowboys) and Ray-Ray McCloud (49ers) — left as free brokers. Offensive linemen Trai Turner and Zach Banner, tight finish Eric Ebron, cornerback Joe Haden, linebacker Joe Schobert and security Terrell Edmunds stay free brokers.
Top Needs: CB, S, OL, QB
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans
Additions: Marlon Mack was added to a backfield that already had Rex Burkhead and Royce Freeman, who was re-signed. Linebacker Blake Cashman was acquired from the Jets for a 2023 sixth-round decide, and can work alongside newcomers Obo Okoronkwo and Jalen Reeves-Maybin, and holdovers Neville Hewitt, Kamu Grugier-Hill and Christian Kirksey, who have been all re-signed.
Departures: Deshaun Watson was traded to the Browns for a bounty of picks, and veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor signed with the Giants. The Texans signed veteran quarterback Kyle Allen to compete with Davis Mills, who had a 88.8 passer ranking in his 11 begins as a rookie, for the beginning quarterback job. Cornerback Terrance Mitchell signed with the Patriots and security Justin Reid signed with the Chiefs. Tailback David Johnson, receiver Danny Amendola and offensive deal with Marcus Cannon are nonetheless free brokers.
Top Needs: Edge, OT, CB, TE
Indianapolis Colts
Additions: The Colts acquired 37-year-old quarterback Matt Ryan from the Falcons for a 2022 third-round decide after buying and selling Carson Wentz to Washington for a swap of second-round picks, a 2022 third-round decide and a conditional 2023 third-round choice. Indianapolis additionally acquired move rusher Yannick Ngakoue from the Raiders for cornerback Rock Ya-Sin, and re-signed tight finish Mo Alie-Cox.
Departures: Indianapolis should rebuild its secondary due to the commerce that despatched Ya-Sin to the Raiders, and the actual fact corners Xavier Rhodes and T.J. Carrie and safeties Andrew Sendejo, Jahleel Addae and George Odum are all free brokers. Tight finish Jack Doyle retired and move rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad signed with the Bears as a free agent. Starting proper guard Mark Glowinski signed with the Giants. Offensive deal with Eric Fisher and receiver T.Y. Hilton stay free brokers.
Top Needs: OT, WR, Edge, CB
Jacksonville Jaguars
Additions: Jacksonville remade their offense by including two front-line receivers, signing Christian Kirk to an eye-opening four-year, $72 million deal, Zay Jones to a three-year deal that could possibly be value as a lot as $30 million, and tight finish Evan Engram to a one-year deal value $9 million. The Jaguars additionally used the franchise tag to retain left deal with Cam Robinson and signed offensive guard Brandon Scherff to a three-year deal value $49.5 million. On protection, Jacksonville signed cornerback Darius Williams, linebacker Foye Oluokun, defensive deal with Foley Fatukasi and move rusher Arden Key.
Departures: The Jaguars misplaced three beginning offensive linemen this offseason. Starting middle Brandon Linder retired, and beginning guards A.J. Cann (Texans) and Andrew Norwell (Commanders) signed elsewhere. Receiver D.J. Chark signed with the Lions. Linebacker Myles Jack, who was launched, signed with the Steelers, and fellow beginning linebacker Damien Wilson signed with the Panthers. Defensive lineman Jihad Ward signed with the Giants, and line of defense cohort Taven Bryan signed with the Browns.
Top Needs: Edge, S, OT, IOL
Tennessee Titans
Additions: The Titans acquired receiver Robert Woods from the Rams for a 2023 sixth-round decide, re-signed tight finish Geoff Swaim and added veteran tight finish Austin Hooper this offseason. Tennessee additionally re-signed move rusher Harold Landry, middle Ben Jones, cornerback Buster Skrine, and tailback Dontrell Hilliard, retaining among the nucleus of the 2021 workforce intact.
Departures: Julio Jones, whose 2021 season was hindered by accidents, was launched. As was beginning cornerback Janoris Jenkins. Neither of those veteran starters have signed elsewhere but. Offensive guard Rodger Saffold signed with the Bills, linebackers Jayon Brown (Raiders) and Rashaan Evans (Falcons) left Tennessee. David Quessenberry, who began all 17 video games at proper deal with final season, stays a free agent.
Top Needs: WR, LB, OT, CB
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos
Additions: The Broncos acquired Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson and a fourth-round decide from the Seahawks for 2 first-round picks, two second-round picks, a fifth-round choice and three veterans. Pass rusher Randy Gregory signed a five-year, $70 million deal, and the Broncos signed linebacker Josey Jewell, defensive deal with D.J. Jones and offensive linemen Billy Turner and Tom Compton.
Departures: Quarterback Drew Lock, tight finish Noah Fant and defensive deal with Shelby Harris have been the three veterans who have been traded to Seattle for Wilson. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater signed with Miami. Receiver DaeSean Hamilton signed with the Texans. Tailback Melvin Gordon, cornerback Kyle Fuller, security Kareem Jackson, and offensive linemen Cameron Fleming and Bobby Massie stay free brokers.
Top Needs: Edge, LB, TE, RB
Kansas City Chiefs
Additions: Kansas City added JuJu Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Corey Coleman to replenish a receiver unit that has been depleted by trades and free agent defections. The Chiefs additionally signed tailback Ronald Jones to a one-year deal that’s value as much as $5 million and linebacker Jermaine Carter Jr.
Departures: The Chiefs traded Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins for a treasure chest of draft picks, but additionally misplaced receivers Byron Pringle (Bears) and Demarcus Robinson (Raiders) this offseason. Pro Bowl security Tyrann Mathieu stays a free agent, however probably gained’t return due to the signing of Justin Reid and Deon Bush.
Top Needs: WR, CB, Edge, S
Las Vegas Raiders
Additions: The Raiders reunited Davante Adams with Derek Carr, his faculty quarterbacks, by buying and selling a 2022 first- and second-round decide to Green Bay for the Pro Bowl receiver. Las Vegas additionally signed receiver DeMarcus Robinson and tight finish Jacob Hollister to offer new coach Josh McDaniels some weaponry. The Raiders additionally signed move rusher Chandler Jones to pair him with Maxx Crosby, who signed a four-year, $99 million extension.
Departures: The Raiders traded Yannick Ngakoue, who registered 10 sacks final season, to the Colts in trade for cornerback Rock Ya-Sin. Quarterback Marcus Mariota signed with the Falcons. Zay Jones signed with the Jaguars. Defensive linemen Quinton Jefferson signed with the Seahawks. Solomon Thomas signed with the Jets, and Gerald McCoy and Carl Nassib are free brokers. Linebackers Cory Littleton signed with the Panthers, and Nicholas Morrow signed with the Bears. Cornerbacks Casey Hayward (Falcons) and Brandon Facyson (Colts) signed elsewhere, and cornerback Desmond Trufant, linebacker Okay.J Wright, receiver DeSean Jackson and offensive guard Richie Incognito stay free brokers.
Top Needs: OL, DT, CB, WR
Los Angeles Chargers
Additions: The Chargers acquired Khalil Mack from the Bears for a 2022 second-round decide and a 2023 sixth-round choice, and signed Pro Bowl cornerback J.C. Jackson to a five-year deal value $82.5 million. The Chargers additionally signed tight finish Gerald Everett, who has caught 175 passes for 1,867 yards and 12 touchdowns in his first 5 seasons, to doubtlessly change Jared Cook, who stays a free agent.
Departures: Linebackers Uchenna Nwosu (Seahawks), Kyler Fackrell (Raiders) and Kyzir White (Eagles) signed elsewhere. Offensive linemen Oday Aboushi, Bryan Bulaga and Michael Schofield, cornerback Chris Harris and defensive deal with Linval Joseph are nonetheless free brokers.
Top Needs: OT, DT, LB, WR
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Source: www.bostonherald.com