The AFC offseason Teams are often filled with optimism, where every team’s draft pick is a future star and every free-agent signing is a masterstroke. However, not all moves are created equal, and some decisions this offseason have left fans and analysts scratching their heads. We delve into the riskiest moves made by AFC teams this offseason, from questionable trades to surprising signings that might not pay off.
Dubious Decisions in the AFC East
Buffalo Bills: The Bills’ decision to sign wide receiver Curtis Samuel to a three-year, $24 million deal has raised some eyebrows. While Samuel’s versatility is a plus, his track record—surpassing 700 receiving yards only once—hardly justifies his hefty price tag. As the 37th-highest-paid wideout, Samuel has a lot to prove in Buffalo’s offense.
Miami Dolphins: Opting not to re-sign center Connor Williams might come back to haunt Miami. Despite his ACL injury in the previous season, Williams’ potential return could have bolstered a shaky offensive line. Instead, Miami faces uncertainty with new addition Aaron Brewer, leaving fans concerned about protecting their quarterback.
New York Jets: The trade of edge rusher John Franklin-Myers to the Broncos was a cost-saving move, but at what cost to the team’s defense? The Jets only gained a 2026 sixth-round pick and saved $7.3 million in cap space, which seems minimal compared to losing a solid starter.
New England Patriots: With ample cap space, the Patriots’ conservative approach in free agency was perplexing. By not securing significant talent to support rookie QB Drake Maye, the team might face a tough season ahead. The lack of bold moves could be particularly painful with a projected win total of only 4.5 games.
Questionable Calls in the AFC West
Denver Broncos: Denver’s choice to replace two-time Pro Bowler Justin Simmons with Brandon Jones is a gamble. Jones, with only three interceptions over five seasons, lacks Simmons’ impact, raising concerns about the Broncos’ secondary strength.
Kansas City Chiefs: Trading away cornerback L’Jarius Sneed has created a gap in the Chiefs’ defense that backup Joshua Williams may not be able to fill effectively, given his track record of allowing eight passing touchdowns over two seasons.
Las Vegas Raiders: The Raiders’ decision not to draft a quarterback, despite available talents like Spencer Rattler and Joe Milton III, could be a mistake. With Gardner Minshew II and Aidan O’Connell competing for the starting role, neither seems poised to be a long-term solution.
Los Angeles Chargers: The Chargers may regret trading six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen to save cap space. The pressure is now on second-round pick Ladd McConkey to step up as a leading receiver, a significant ask for a rookie.
AFC North’s Controversial Offseason
Baltimore Ravens: Not re-signing quarterback Tyler Huntley could put the Ravens in a precarious position if Lamar Jackson gets injured. Baltimore may have to rely on journeyman Josh Johnson, which is far from an ideal backup plan.
Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals‘ trade of Joe Mixon for a mere 2024 seventh-round pick is baffling. As the franchise’s third all-time leading rusher, Mixon’s departure leaves a void that newly signed veteran Zack Moss will struggle to fill.
Cleveland Browns: Signing linebacker Devin Bush might be a risky bet for the Browns. Bush, struggling to live up to his first-round draft status, will need to significantly improve to justify Cleveland’s decision amid other linebacker losses.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Trading wide receiver Diontae Johnson has left the Steelers in need of another capable receiver. While Donte Jackson is a valuable addition at cornerback, the offense now lacks depth, placing added pressure on the remaining squad.
AFC South’s Puzzling Moves
Houston Texans: Awarding defensive end Danielle Hunter a $49 million contract is a high-stake move, especially as Hunter approaches the latter stages of his career. Comparatively, the Vikings are paying Jonathan Greenard, who recorded 12.5 sacks last season, significantly less.
Indianapolis Colts: The Colts’ choice to prioritize a pass rusher over a cornerback in the first round of the draft could be short-sighted. Given the strong wide receiver groups in the AFC South, bolstering their secondary would have been a more strategic move.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Not re-signing wide receiver Calvin Ridley and seeing him join a division rival adds insult to injury. The Jaguars now rely on newcomers Gabriel Davis and rookie Brian Thomas Jr. to fill Ridley’s shoes, a challenging task given their combined cost and expectations.
Tennessee Titans: The Titans’ failure to sufficiently address their offensive tackle needs beyond drafting JC Latham may prove costly. With a lack of reliable options, Tennessee could find itself in trouble if more players are called upon to start for a game or two.
Sources: Yardbarker
