So what will be the main theme for each of the 32 clubs in the NFL during the 2021 offseason?
The smoke has cleared a bit following the first few days of NFL free agency. Preparation for the 2021 NFL season is certainly underway and the NFL Draft is less than six weeks away.
The moves will continue for months but, at this moment, it’s worth taking a look at each of the 32 franchises and what will be the talking point for each franchise both now and over the coming months.
In total, these are the biggest storylines of the 2021 NFL offseason for every team in the league.
AFC East: Biggest 2021 NFL offseason storylines
Buffalo Bills: Trying to catch the Chiefs in the AFC
After going 16 consecutive years without a postseason appearance, head coach Sean McDermott has had the team in the playoffs three of the past four seasons. The club learn how to win a few postseason games in 2020 before falling hard at Kansas City in the AFC title game. And the Bills were outclassed by the Chiefs twice this past season.
Miami Dolphins: More progress under Brian Flores
In the loaded AFC in 2020, 10 wins were not enough to guarantee a playoff appearance. Still, the Dolphins doubled their victory total from the previous year and now look for a division title/playoff berth for the 1st time since 2016. Much of it will depend on second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who no longer has Ryan Fitzpatrick to lean on.
New England Patriots: Rebuilding via free agency and trades
Bill Belichick and the team went all in this offseason when it came to spending in free agency. The Patriots were limited financially a year ago but the 2021 additions include tight ends Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith, wideouts Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne and pass-rusher Matt Judon. Cam Newton is back for a second go-around.
New York Jets: End the NFL’s longest current playoff drought
The new head coach is Robert Saleh, who tries to clean up a mess resulting in a 23-57 mark the previous five seasons under head coaches Todd Bowles and Adam Gase. The Jets have not been to the postseason since 2010. General manager Joe Douglas had a solid draft in 2020 and has been adding defensive pieces in free agency.