By the Yardbarker staff | Last updated on 6-23-12For some players, it’s obvious they need a change of scenery for next season.
(We’re looking at you, Zach Wilson, and Mac Jones.) For others, the reasons are more complicated.
As determined by Yardbarker’s NFL writers, here’s one player on each AFC team who needs a new NFL home.
AFC East BUFFALO BILLS | Wide receiver Stefon Diggs: Diggs has downplayed the notion that he was unhappy in Buffalo, but the team’s 6-6 record, his cryptic social media posts during the offseason and heartfelt tweets from his brother Trevon suggest otherwise.
Buffalo could make further personnel changes if it misses the playoffs, and it’s hard to imagine the All-Pro wanting to spend his remaining prime years in such a situation.
MIAMI DOLPHINS | Running back Jeff Wilson Jr.: Miami signed Wilson to a two-year extension last offseason after a successful run after the trade deadline, but injuries landed him on IR to start the season, allowing rookie De ‘Von Achane to shine in the role of RB2.
While Miami, which has the NFL’s second-ranked rushing attack, has better options at running back, Wilson remains productive (5.3 yards per touch this season) and would be a good fit for any team.
New York’s bright lights and team incompetence derailed the career of another young quarterback, and while Wilson failed to capitalize on his opportunities, a move elsewhere would at least reduce the spotlight on him.
Wilson can’t handle a starting role, but with five fourth-quarter comebacks in his career, he might be able to field a new team if the starter goes down.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS | Quarter back Mac Jones: He had 14 turnovers in 11 games and was benched four times this season. However, the Patriots didn’t really set him up for success.
Although he is not a starting quarterback, Jones is not far from a Pro Bowl rookie season, and with his track record dating back to his days at Alabama, he could become one of the best backup QBs of the NFL.
Dell Chronicle AFC West DENVER BRONCOS | Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy: Jeudy seemed like a surefire candidate under new head coach Sean Payton, but he has just one receiving TD in 11 games.
On Monday, Payton insisted he wanted to give him more targets, but it’s clear the former first-round pick doesn’t fit his offense and needs a fresh start.
KANSAS CITY LEADERS | Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire: Isiah Pacheco has clearly established himself as the team’s No. 1 RB.
Edwards-Helaire, meanwhile, played 15% of offensive players, a career-low, in 11 games. The former first-rounder will be an unrestricted free agent in 2024, so he will have to sign elsewhere to jump-start his career.
LAS VEGAS RAIDER | Wide receiver Davante Adams: He recently told NFL Network’s Rich Eisen that he’s “happy to be a Raider,” but the six-time Pro Bowler could change his mind if the team doesn’t find the answer at QB.
Las Vegas ranks 29th in the league in passer rating (74.2), one reason Adams has allowed just four touchdowns in 12 games.LOS ANGELES CHARGER | Linebacker Khalil Mack: The 32-year-old leads the NFL in sacks (15 in 12 games), but is stuck with a subpar defense and is 19th in the league in points allowed (21.5).
The seven-time Pro Bowler – who has never played in a Super Bowl – would help a contender looking to improve its pass rush.
Clark Dalton AFC North BALTIMORE CROW | Linebacker Patrick Queen: Queen, a 2020 first-round pick, and Roquan Smith form the best inside linebacker duo in the NFL.
However, the Ravens did not exercise Queen’s fifth-year option, instead paying Smith, so Queen will likely go elsewhere in 2024 — a place where his career numbers (423 tackles, 13.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and three interceptions). most appreciated.
CLEVELAND BROWN | Left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr.: The No. 10 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft showed promise as a rookie, but has regressed every season since.
The 6-foot-1, 307-pounder—who is on the injured list with a sprained MCL—is far from a big deal in Cleveland, but his future with the team hangs in the balance after allowing three sacks in 2023.
CINCINNATI BENGAL | Tee Higgins, wide receiver: Second-round pick in 2020, will have a big payday this offseason, but it may not be with the Bengals, who made Joe Burrow the highest-paid QB in the NFL this offseason. Higgins — who is on pace to have his worst statistical season (516 receiving yards, per ESPN.com) — could be a WR1 on several teams.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS | Tight end Pat Freiermuth: The Steelers have rarely used Freiermuth, a 2021 second-round pick, in the middle of the field in recent seasons, limiting his role.
They may not want to or know how, but a team with an innovative, offensive-minded coach could certainly take advantage of his talent and potentially put him in the top five.
AaronBecker AFC South HOUSTON TEXAN | Quarterback Davis Mills: With C.J Stroud’s record-breaking rookie season, it’s clear that Davis’ days in Houston are numbered.
His career numbers are solid (5,802 passing yards, 33 touchdown passes, 25 interceptions, 63.7% completion percentage) and he would benefit greatly from a trade to Atlanta, New England, or the New York Giants, where he could at least compete for an entry-level job. He won’t be an unrestricted free agent until 2025.
INDIANAPOLIS-KOLTS | Running back Zack Moss: He’s the NFL’s 11th leading rusher, although his carries were reduced when Jonathan Taylor returned to the lineup after a stint on the PUP list.
He has 723 yards and five touchdowns on the ground in 11 games, and at just 25 years old could benefit from playing for Minnesota, Carolina or Houston, all of which could benefit a No. 1 running back.
He will be an unrestricted free agent after the season. JACKSONVILLE JAGUAR | Linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson:
Chaisson hasn’t lived up to his expectations as a first-round pick (20th overall), but he’s only 24 years old and is having his most productive season as a passer (two sacks, four tackles). loss) over the past three years.
Playing for a team that already has a top-notch No. 1 passer could relieve Chaisson of producing right away and allow him to find his rhythm, like Arden Key when he left for San Francisco in 2021.
TENNESSEE TITANS | Cornerback Kristian Fulton: Two years ago, Fulton was the team’s best cornerback and appeared to be one of the most promising defenders in the NFL, but this season he has been a liability in coverage and has even been benched for ineffectiveness.
The best thing for Fulton would be to find himself somewhere where he could play the role of Robin to someone’s Batman and not be responsible for shutting down other teams’ top receivers.
