2023 NFL Signings and Contract Updates – The 2023 NFL offseason has been one of dramatic transformation, featuring major signings and contract updates among teams in the American Football Conference East (AFC East). We will provide an in-depth review of key moves made by each of these four AFC East clubs – Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, and New York Jets – as they attempt to strengthen their rosters and make a run at playoff glory. Check below the in-depth NFL Team updates.
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills have made several strategic moves to strengthen their roster, signing key players like Kyle Allen and Damien Harris to one-year contracts. Allen can serve as backup quarterback, providing depth at that position; Harris will join Latavius Murray who was also given one year contracts in helping strengthen their ground game. The Bills also made strides to strengthen their receiving corps by signing Deonte Harty to a two-year deal worth up to $13.5 million and Trent Sherfield for one year contracts, both having the potential to have an immediate impact on their offense.
The offensive line also saw significant attention, with David Edwards and Connor McGovern both signing three-year, $23 million contracts with Buffalo. Furthermore, David Quessenberry was re-signed to provide continuity on offense.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Bills re-signed key players like Shaq Lawson, Poona Ford Jordan Phillips, A.J Klein and Tyler Matakevich that will help maintain their strong defensive presence. Each one of them will play a pivotal role in upholding that presence.
The team also secured kicker Tyler Bass for four more years and signed punter Sam Martin to a three-year contract extension.
2023 NFL Signings and Contract Updates: Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have been extremely active this free agency season, signing key players like Mike White, Braxton Berrios and David Long. White will likely serve as Tua Tagovailoa’s backup quarterback while Berrios signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with $3 million guaranteed – giving the team another option on offense and special teams. The Dolphins also re-signed Myles Gaskin, their leading rusher, as well as veteran running back Raheem Mostert on a two-year deal that guarantees $2.2 million of his compensation – adding two complementary ground game players that should complement the passing attack.
Notable offensive signings include Jeff Wilson, River Cracraft, Chosen Anderson and Eric Saubert who will all compete for roster spots while providing various contributions in various capacities.
On defense, the Dolphins strengthened their linebacking corps with the signing of Malik Reed and re-signing of Andrew Van Ginkel, David Long, and Duke Riley as well as re-signing Andrew Van Ginkel, David Long, and Duke Riley. Nik Needham was also re-signed while DeShon Elliott joined. Furthermore, trading Jalen Ramsey from Los Angeles Rams for a 2023 third-round pick and Hunter Long provided another top cornerback that could potentially transform their secondary into one of the league’s premier units.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots added more offensive firepower by signing running back James Robinson to a two-year deal worth up to $8 million. Robinson will join a backfield that already features Damien Harris and Sony Michel, giving the Patriots an effective running attack.
The Patriots made a major upgrade in their passing game by inking wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster to a three-year, $25.5 million deal worth up to $33 million with incentives. Smith-Schuster will provide much-needed depth at wide receiver for Mac Jones. New England also announced they have inked tight end Mike Gesicki to a one-year, $4.5 million contract with $3.55 million guaranteed, giving the Patriots another talented tight end option in Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith as they add depth in passing game options.
The Patriots added strength to their offensive line by signing Riley Reiff to a one-year, $5 million contract and re-signing James Ferentz with $200,000 guaranteed in his contract extension. They also signed Calvin Anderson to a two-year contract bringing depth and competition at the tackle position.
On defense, the Patriots made several moves to strengthen their front seven. They re-signed Daniel Ekuale and signed Chris Board to a two-year deal worth up to $6.7 million; Raekwon McMillan signed an incentive-laden one year contract worth up to $2.2 million with incentives as did Mack Wilson for linebacker duties.
In their secondary, the Patriots made key moves to both retain talent and add depth. Re-signing Jonathan Jones for two years at $20 million with $13 guaranteed was key; also returning Jabrill Peppers on two year deal worth up to $11 million with incentives; Jalen Mills signed revised one-year contract worth up to $6.11 million offering versatility as both cornerback and safety was also beneficial. The Patriots also made sure their long snapper, Joe Cardona, would remain with them by inking a four-year, $6.3 million deal which can reach as much as $6.7 million with incentives.
New York Jets
The Jets made an unexpectedly strong statement by trading for superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers from Green Bay Packers. Rodgers instantly amplifies their offense and provides them with a shot at competing within their division. Rodgers joined other key pieces on both sides of the ball that the Jets added this offseason, including wide receivers Randall Cobb and Mecole Hardman who will serve as Rodgers’ pass catchers; Cobb signed a one-year deal while Hardman inked one worth up to $6.5 million. Allen Lazard signed for four years with $44 million guaranteed – providing Rodgers with three experienced pass catchers to work with on offense.
The Jets strengthened their offensive line by re-signing Cedric Ogbuehi and signing Billy Turner to one-year deals that could pay up to $3.15 million each. They also signed Wes Schweitzer and Connor McGovern for depth and competition along the line.
On defense, the Jets made several moves to strengthen their front seven. They signed Quinton Jefferson and re-signed Solomon Thomas with one-year deals worth up to $3.9 million each; as well as signing Quincy Williams to three-year, $18 million contracts that max out at $21 million with incentives.
Chuck Clark joined the Jets’ secondary as part of a trade with Baltimore Ravens for a 2024 seventh-round draft pick and adds vital experience and leadership to their defensive backfield.
Finally, the Jets signed kicker Greg Zuerlein to a one-year contract worth up to $3.5 million while also adding punter Thomas Morstead and long snapper Thomas Hennessy on four-year deals to strengthen their special teams unit.
The AFC East has experienced considerable player movement during the 2023 offseason, with each team adding key additions and keeping important contributors. The Buffalo Bills strengthened both sides of the ball while Miami Dolphins made headlines by trading for star cornerback Jalen Ramsey; New England Patriots focused on improving offense with key additions like JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Robinson while New York Jets made news by trading for Aaron Rodgers via a blockbuster deal.
These moves have set up an intriguing scene in the AFC East, making this division potentially highly competitive in the 2023 NFL season. Each team has made substantial investments into their rosters – it remains to be seen which ones pay off the most and which teams rise to become champions of their division.
As teams start preparing for the 2019-20 NFL season, fans of the AFC East can anticipate an action-packed and unpredictable year of football. A combination of high-profile signings, contract extensions, and trades has set the stage for one of the NFL’s most competitive divisions to showcase some exciting contests this fall. Keep an eye on the latest NFL team stats online.
