AFC East offseason recap: What have Jets’ rivals done in free agency?

After the first wave of free agency, the Jets Wire takes a look at AFC East offseason recap.

New England Patriots

(Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports)

For the first time in a long-time, the Patriots’ direction is unclear. Tom Brady departed for Tampa Bay in free agency and New England added veteran Brian Hoyer to the quarterback room. Aside from that, the Patriots haven’t done much besides re-signing their own players.

While New England still has a good roster, Bill Belichick hasn’t had the foresight to free up enough cap room to make the Patriots the favorites in the AFC. If anything, the Patriots are ready to pass the baton to the Buffalo Bills.

Re-Signed

  • FS Devin McCourty (2-year deal)
  • WR Matthew Slater (2-year deal)
  • OL Joe Thuney (Franchise Tagged)
  • CB Jason McCourty (Contract Exercised)
  • DE/OLB Shilique Calhoun (Retained)

Key Departures

  • QB Tom Brady: Signed by Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-year deal)
  • LB Jamie Collins Sr: Signed by Detroit Lions (3-year deal)
  • SS Nate Ebner: Signed by New York Giants (1-year deal)

  • OC Ted Karras: Signed by Miami Dolphins (1-year deal)

  • LB/FB Elandon Roberts: Signed by Miami Dolphins (1-year deal)

  • DT Danny Shelton: Signed by Detroit Lions (2-year deal)

  • LB Kyle Van Noy: Signed by Miami Dolphins (4-year deal)

  • WR Phillip Dorsett: Signed by Seattle Seahawks (1-year deal)
  • FS Duron Harmon: Traded to Detroit Lions
  • K Stephen Gostkowski: Released

Key Additions

  • WR Damiere Byrd (1-year deal)
  • DT Beau Allen (2-year deal)
  • SS Adrian Phillips (2-year deal)
  • FB Danny Vitale (1-year deal)
  • QB Brian Hoyer (1-year deal)
  • LB Brandon Copeland (1-year deal)
  • S Cody Davis (1-year deal)