Each AFC East squad made it through the preseason with a relatively low number of injuries. Only the Buffalo Bills saw potentially major contributors (Eric Reid and Markus Wheaton) sustain injuries that will lead to them missing games during the regular season.
The Bills made a splash after their final preseason tilt by dealing newly signed outside linebacker Mark Barron to the Seahawks in exchange for outside linebacker Jalani Jenkins. The move saves Buffalo over $5 million dollars in salary cap space over each of the next two seasons, which could become useful if the team hopes to re-sign Pro Bowl guards Josh Sitton and TJ Lang.
"Business move," Rex Ryan said. "I don't know why we sign a guy and then deal him right before games count. I feel like we're becoming the NBA."
The New York Jets also were able to flip an expensive low-contributor (runningback Shane Vereen) to the Cleveland Browns for a 2018 2nd round draft choice. The Browns are seemingly forgetting their Moneyball roots whenever they make deals with the Jets.
"It's honestly like they (the New York Jets) have some secret photos of the Cleveland execs," one NFL General Manager said. "I'm not sure it's good for the league to have the Browns serving as New York's bank."
In another head-scratching move, the Miami Dolphins were able to salvage their tumultuous off-season by dealing cornerback Xavier Rhodes and wide receiver Marquise Lee to the Minnesota Vikings for 2016 1st round wide receiver Laquon Treadwell. The Dolphins had been involved in multiple talk radio sessions lambasting their deal that sent Marcell Dareus to the San Diego Chargers (Dareus was suspended a week after the deal for violating the league's substance abuse policy). The team has also been dealing with injuries to their top two draft picks Reggie Ragland and Andrew Billings. Lane Johnson also stole league headlines with his second failed drug test which will cause him to miss the first 10-games of the 2016 season.
"Adding Laquon has saved our offseason," Adam Gase said. "It's been tough, but we now have this amazing conclusion leading up to our first game."
It is rare for a newly drafted first rounder to be dealt the following season; It is even more rare for the deal to occur for players with expiring contracts and limited value.
"Xavier (Rhodes) fits Minnesota's scheme," one AFC scout said. "But something seems wrong with this one. Dealing with the Dolphins right now feels like going to a used car lot and getting pressured into walking away with an '82 Firebird with two flat tires and no brakes."
We are now finally ready for real football and the soap opera that is the off & preseason is now over.
Are you ready for some football?
