Each AFC East Team’s Best Addition during NFL Negotiating Period
Some more than others, but each of the four AFC East teams have reportedly been active during the National Football League two-day negotiating window that precedes the start of a new league year.
All four franchises have agreed to terms with at least one free agent addition while a couple of trades have also been reported.
Here’s a look at each team’s most-noteworthy transaction that will not become official until 4:00 pm ET on March 15 at the earliest...
BUFFALO BILLS
BEST ADDITION: G Connor McGovern (Dallas Cowboys)
Don’t get confused, Jets’ fans. Buffalo has reportedly reached an agreement with a different Connor McGovern.
The Bills’ guard play was less-than stellar in 2022, so it’s understandable why general manager Brandon Beane chose to address that position during the free agency tampering period.
In the final year of his rookie contract (2022), McGovern started all 15 of his appearances for Dallas during the regular season. The Bills are likely intending to slide McGovern in at left guard, where free agent veteran Roger Saffold played last fall.
The Cowboys selected McGovern with the No. 90 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. After spending his rookie campaign on injured reserve, the Penn State product went on to play in 45 games for Dallas over the next three seasons.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
BEST ADDITION: CB Jalen Ramsey (Los Angeles Rams)
The Dolphins pulled off the most-notable trade of the AFC East teams, reportedly agreeing to acquire three-time All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey from the Los Angeles Rams.
Seemingly going “all in” for Mike McDaniel’s second season as head coach, Miami appropriately added a lockdown cover cornerback in a division that features Stefon Diggs (Bills) and Garrett Wilson (Jets).
Ramsey, the No. 5 overall pick by Jacksonville at the 2016 NFL Draft, has produced at a high level over a seven-year professional career. The former Florida State star landed in Los Angeles via trade during the 2019 season.
In three full seasons with the Rams, the perennial Pro Bowler totaled nine interceptions and 39 passes defensed. Over 108 career games, Ramsey has racked up 426 total tackles while picking off 19 passes.
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
NEW YORK JETS
BEST ADDITION: WR Allen Lazard (Green Bay Packers)
Without even considering its possible effect on the Aaron Rodgers situation, the Lazard signing makes plenty of sense for the Jets.
Gang Green was in dire need of a WR2 to complement the production of emerging star Garrett Wilson. The 6-foot-5 Lazard led all Green Bay pass-catchers in receptions (60) and receiving yards (788). Those numbers would have ranked Lazard second to Wilson on the Jets.
Over 57 regular season contests with Green Bay, Lazard has caught 169 passes for 2,236 yards and 20 touchdowns. The former undrafted free agent (Iowa State) has appeared in five career playoff games.
Mike De Sisti / USA TODAY NETWORK
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
BEST ADDITION: OT Calvin Anderson (Denver Broncos)
Bill Belichick and Co. have been relatively quiet thus far despite more than $30 million in salary cap space according to Spotrac. Anderson lands in this spot because he has been the ONLY reported addition by the Patriots during the NFL’s legal negotiating window.
The 6-foot-5 tackle comes to New England from Denver, where he saw his first NFL game action during the 2020 season.
Anderson, a former undrafted free agent, has made 41 appearances (12 starts) over the past three years. In 2022, he started seven games for the Broncos.
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