The New England Patriots came up just short of their ultimate goal this past season, losing to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 60. No one expected the Pats to win the AFC East over the Buffalo Bills, let alone make it all the way to the Super Bowl after undergoing a bunch of changes last offseason.
But the Patriots proved everyone wrong, and now they will try to retool in free agency with the hopes of being back-to-back AFC East champs and back in the Super Bowl. That said, it won’t be easy for New England, as the other teams in the AFC will be looking to take their best shot, which includes the Bills.
The Bills will have a new coaching staff as Joe Brady is taking over for ex-head coach Sean McDermott. One of the first tasks for Brady and Buffalo’s front office will be to try to retain as many of their key free agents as possible. That includes defensive end Joey Bosa.
Joey Bosa Possibly Departing AFC East Will Make Drake Maye’s Life Easier
Bosa joined the Bills last offseason on a one-year, $12.6 million deal after getting released by the Los Angeles Chargers. Bosa played well in his lone season in Buffalo, starting in 10 or more games (15) for the first time since 2021 (16).
The veteran defender racked up 24 quarterback pressures, 16 quarterback hits, nine tackles for loss, five sacks, and five forced fumbles. Bosa didn’t record a sack against Drake Maye and the Pats, which is a credit to their offensive line.
However, given what we saw in the Super Bowl, the Patriots still don’t want to see Bosa back in Buffalo, as he’s capable of wrecking a game by himself.
Spotrac projects Bosa’s calculated market value as a two-year, $27.4 million deal (with $13.7M AAV). That might be too pricey for the Bills, who are projected to be $12.3M over the salary cap, per OverTheCap.
Not to mention, other contenders such as the San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, and Detroit Lions could throw their hat into the ring for Bosa’s services. The 49ers and Ravens have the space and could throw a two-year deal at the veteran defensive lineman. The Patriots wouldn't mind any help getting the veteran defender out of the AFC East.
The Lions are in the same spot as the Bills, but the idea of playing opposite Aidan Hutchinson for one season could set up Bosa to have a big year, as he’ll have great 1-on-1 opportunities on the edge.
Shoot, in theory, the Patriots could steal Bosa from the Bills as they have the cap space. Conversely, New England fans have their eyes on the idea of acquiring Maxx Crosby, so that might be more of a long shot.
Nonetheless, Patriots fans will hope that Bosa decides to take his talents elsewhere, as that would be a notable loss on the Bills’ defensive line. Any advantage that New England can get, it will take it.