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Here are the most interesting stories Wednesday morning in the AFC East:

• Can the Buffalo Bills be one of the surprise teams to make the playoffs in 2012?

Morning take: Buffalo has a shot with recent improvements and an easy schedule. I'm picking the Bills to make a solid jump and contend for a wild card.

• Will the Miami Dolphins look at these free-agent wide receivers?

Morning take: The names out there don’t fit what Miami is looking for. Braylon Edwards and Plaxico Burress have talent, but Donald Driver would be a better fit if he is released by the Green Bay Packers.

• New England Patriots tight end Daniel Fells thinks Tim Tebow of the New York Jets can succeed as a quarterback.

Morning take: Fells is a former teammate of Tebow. Opinions of Tebow as a starting quarterback are all over the place, even among players. But no one denies he’s a tough football player.

• Former Jets vice president of college scouting Joey Clinckscales reportedly is leaving the team for the Oakland Raiders.

Morning take: This is no surprise and appears to be a good move up. But I did find it strange recently when Clinkscales said he expects to stay in New York when this was in the works for a while.

Here are the most interesting stories Thursday morning in the AFC East:

• Free-agent receiver Jabar Gaffney told Josina Anderson of ESPN that he is joining the New England Patriots.

Morning take: The Patriots continue to load up on receivers and the competition is going to be very stiff in New England. The move also keeps Gaffney away from division rivals Miami and Buffalo.

• The Buffalo News has reaction from the Bills on the death of future Hall of Fame linebacker Junior Seau.

Morning take: Bills general manager Buddy Nix was in San Diego for two years, and defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt coached Seau in Miami. This is a big loss all around for the NFL community.

• Did the Miami Dolphins thrive in the NFL draft? General manager Jeff Ireland told The Finsiders yes.

Morning take: We won't know for sure until after a few seasons, but Miami did get a lot of potential in the draft. The Dolphins just have to develop it.

• According to Travis Chan of Yahoo! Sports, the New York Jets should bring back veteran receiver Braylon Edwards.

Morning take: This was a stronger option before the draft. But the acquisition of second-round pick Stephen Hill closes that door a little more. Santonio Holmes, Hill and Jeremy Kerley in the slot is not a bad trio as long as Hill becomes a fast learner in the NFL.

Here are the latest happenings Thursday evening in the AFC East:

• The New York Jets are not ruling out free-agent receiver Braylon Edwards.
• The Jets also say new quarterback Tim Tebow doesn't alter their draft strategy.
• NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock says former Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill, a target for the Miami Dolphins, is not a top-10 pick.
• Is cornerback a big need for the Buffalo Bills?
• New England Patriots offensive tackle Nate Solder is gaining weight for next season.

The New York Daily News reports the Jets are interested in bringing back veteran receiver Braylon Edwards. He spent one year in New York in 2010 and had one of his most successful seasons.

Here are some thoughts on Edwards' possible return to New York:

• Edwards would come on the cheap, which is good for the Jets. The former first-round pick has talent but was a free-agent bust last year with the San Francisco 49ers. He suffered a knee injury, caught just 15 passes and was eventually released. The Jets are searching for cap-friendly alternatives, and Edwards could fit. New York could probably get Edwards with a one-year contract to see how he bounces back in 2012.
• Edwards, when healthy, can bring big plays to any offense. He averaged 17.1 yards per reception in 2010 with the Jets. New York's starting receivers Santonio Holmes and Plaxico Burress combined for just 14 receptions of 20 yards or more last season.
• But injuries should be considered. The Jets can't automatically assume they're getting the Edwards of two years ago. Edwards, 29, had a season-ending knee injury and a shoulder ailment that bothered him in 2011. He didn't look like the same player the Jets had. New York has to do its medical homework to see if Edwards is 100 percent and can get back to his old form.
• Finally, Edwards and Holmes seemed to have good chemistry together. The pair worked off each other well in 2010 and led New York's deep playoff run. Togetherness and teamwork are big catchphrases in New York this offseason after last year's internal implosion. If Edwards can help quarterback Mark Sanchez get on track and open up things for Holmes, it may be worth a look, especially if Edward's price tag is cheap.

Of the five panelists asked to pick the AFC East, four have the Jets finishing second and Matt Williamson picked them to finish third. Here's my intelligence report on New York:

Five things you need to know about the Jets:

1. Mark Sanchez is going to have a shaky start: The third-year quarterback lost three-quarters of his receiving corps on the eve of training camp (Braylon Edwards, Jerricho Cotchery and Brad Smith), and it's going to take time to get comfortable with his new weapons, Plaxico Burress and Derrick Mason. Fortunately, he still has Santonio Holmes, who will be the go-to guy. During this transition period, the Jets will have to rely on their running game and defense to carry the day. Once the passing game is up to speed, offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer will be able to open things up. After two years of protecting him with the strong running game, the plan is to put more on Sanchez's shoulders. He'll be fine as long as he improves his accuracy.

2. The defense could dominate: If there's one thing Rex Ryan does well -- other than yapping -- it's coaching defense. Barring injuries, this should be a top-three unit for the third straight year. The Jets return 10 starters, nine of whom have been in Ryan's system for two years -- rare continuity. There should be very few mental mistakes, and the familiarity with the scheme should allow Ryan and defensive coordinator Mike Pettine to cook up some exotic packages. The major flaw is the lack of an elite pass-rusher, but they'll manufacture pressure with an array of blitzes.

3. They're not going to win many footraces: Save for Holmes, TE Dustin Keller and CB Antonio Cromartie, you can't say the Jets have any players exceedingly fast for their positions. The Jets are a big, physical team; they're not going to out-quick many opponents. Burress and Mason are 34 and 37, respectively; third-down back LaDainian Tomlinson is 32; and the middle of the pass defense -- safeties and linebackers -- will get exploited by certain teams. They will continue to struggle between the hashmarks against tight ends and slot receivers.

4. The new kickoff rule will hurt: You could argue that the Jets won three games last season, including a playoff game, because of long kickoff returns. It was an absolute weapon for the Jets, who relied on the return game to change field position. Now, with Smith gone and with touchbacks expected to increase, the Jets are losing a bullet in their revolver. Mike Westhoff is one of the smartest special-teams coaches in the business, but it's hard to scheme up a kickoff return when the ball is flying out of the end zone.

5. Built to win now: This is a smart, veteran team that knows what it takes to get to the playoffs. They're hungry, too, having lost the last two AFC Championship Games. It has to happen this season because they probably won't have Tomlinson, Burress and Mason in 2012, and the highly paid linebacking corps is one year away from an overhaul. They have 19 starters back, which gives them an edge in the post-lockout world. The key is staying healthy, because there are thin areas on both sides of the ball.

Joe Namath has been watching Plaxico Burress for several years, and in him he sees a wide receiver that reminds him a lot of Braylon Edwards -- and that's not a flattering comparison coming from Namath.

The New York Jets' legendary quarterback was occasionally critical of Edwards during his two seasons with the Jets. So, no, Namath isn't swept up in Plaxico Mania, saying Burress would be "damn lucky" if he makes it through the season.

"When I see Burress, certainly in the past, and Edwards, their route running and adjusting, I didn't like it -- and I still don't," Namath told ESPNNewYork.com Tuesday. "I'll be surprised if Burress and [quarterback Mark] Sanchez click well and I'll be even more surprised if Burress, after being laid off for two years and change, is going to make it through the season."

Wide receiver Braylon Edwards has agreed to a $3.5 million, one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers.

Edwards' agent, Ben Dogra, confirmed the deal to The Associated Press on Thursday, less than an hour before San Francisco's free agents could take the field for the first time.

For more, click here.

Adam Schefter reported Sunday morning that free-agent receiver Plaxico Burress has signed a one-year, fully guaranteed, $3.017 million contract with the New York Jets.

There had been much chatter this week about Burress -- who was released from prison last month after serving two years for firing an unlicensed gun in a New York nightclub -- possibly returning to the Giants, with whom he won the Super Bowl four years ago. Burress had said unflattering things about Giants coach Tom Coughlin in a post-release interview, but the Giants made a push to sign him anyway and he met with Coughlin on Friday night at the team's training facility in New Jersey.

But Burress never backed off his comments, and all along I told you I believed he was only using the Giants' interest as leverage to get what he wanted from a team whose coach he didn't dislike. He visited the Steelers on Saturday and apparently also had some nice conversations with the Jets, who are cutting ties with Braylon Edwards and needed a replacement.

There had also been some discussion about Burress and the Eagles, since Philadelphia seems to be signing every free agent in the world and Burress was very public about his desire to play for them. But there was never any indication from the Eagles that the interest was mutual.

For the Jets, this has to be a money move. They re-signed receiver Santonio Holmes last week, and they need money to re-sign cornerback Antonio Cromartie and for a new deal for linebacker David Harris. Edwards surely would have cost more than one year and $3.017 million, and Burress replaces him in the role of big-bodied downfield threat for Mark Sanchez. It seems a little bit of a downgrade, since Burress is an unknown quantity after two years in prison and the Jets and Edwards had a very nice relationship for the past two years. Edwards played well for the Jets and (other than his early-season DUI arrest last year) seemed to have kept his head on straight as a teammate and a reliable contributor. He should get a much larger deal elsewhere than what Burress just got from the Jets.

As for the Giants, their interest in Burress likely had something to do with Steve Smith's knee injury and the fact that they still haven't re-signed him. The Giants' losing out on Burress could help Smith's leverage and/or prod the Giants to look at Edwards or some of the other wideouts still on the market.

Regardless, while the Giants were interested in Burress, it doesn't look as if he was really ever interested in returning to play for them.

ESPN NFL analyst Keyshawn Johnson discusses Braylon Edwards' next move.

The New York Jets addressed the No. 1 item on their free-agent list, coming to terms Wednesday morning with wide receiver Santonio Holmes, according to a league source.

The deal is for five years and $50 million with $24 million guaranteed, sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. That's the highest guarantee ever given to a wide receiver.

By rule, Holmes isn't permitted to sign the contract until Friday.

Holmes' deal is so big that it probably means they can't afford to re-sign Braylon Edwards, another high-profile free agent. Edwards is coming off a strong season, but the Jets prioritized Holmes because of his speed and game-changing ability.

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A look at the free-agent priorities for each AFC East team:

Buffalo Bills

1. Add new blood: For the most part, most of the Bills’ free-agents-to-be would not be big losses. Buffalo should have plenty of money to spend once free agency does finally open. Obviously, this has been a losing franchise for some time now, and transforming the roster and changing the culture of the organization should be a very good thing. The Bills did take a fine step in the right direction in the 2011 draft, taking several prospects from big-college programs with winning histories.

2. Keep Paul Posluszny: Although inside linebackers generally are not difficult to find, Posluszny is the type of guy Buffalo needs to keep within the organization. He is productive, tough and able to lead the defense on every down. Last season wasn’t his best, but Posluszny was fantastic in 2009, and I fully expect him to get back to that form, especially playing behind what should be a vastly improved young interior defensive line.

3. Eliminate needs: I list the Bills’ three greatest needs as left tackle, outside linebacker and tight end. Rome wasn’t built in a day, but if Buffalo could knock out one or two of these needs in free agency, it would go a very long way in its rebuilding process. Jared Gaither or Doug Free could potentially fill Buffalo’s left tackle position for years to come, while Matt Light could hold down the fort and provide leadership until Chris Hairston or a future draft pick is ready. An outside linebacker such as Manny Lawson, Matt Roth or Mathias Kiwanuka could also be money very well spent to pose an edge presence opposite Arthur Moats, whom I featured in my Soon to be Stars series. Zach Miller is really the only free-agent tight end who would qualify.

Top free agents: Posluszny, Donte Whitner, Drayton Florence

Miami Dolphins

1. Add running back help: Miami used the 62nd overall pick in 2011 to select Daniel Thomas, a big, bruising runner with a lot of ability. But of course, Thomas is going to be a rookie this season, and fully counting on him to carry the load and learn the pass protections would be foolish. Miami needs a backup plan. Bringing back Ronnie Brown, or more likely, Ricky Williams, wouldn’t be a terrible situation. But just adding Brown or Williams wouldn’t be enough. Snatching up Ahmad Bradshaw or DeAngelo Williams would obviously be a huge addition and would push Thomas to backup status. Even bringing in a reliable back like Joseph Addai or Jason Snelling might do the trick as Thomas develops. Another option is to add a specialty player like Darren Sproles.

2. Find competition for Chad Henne: Personally, I am not ready to write off Henne. I believe in the approach that Miami has taken this offseason. The Dolphins have surrounded him with pieces to make his life much easier. But still, adding a veteran signal-caller seems like a must at this point. Suitable options include Marc Bulger, Donovan McNabb or even Vince Young, who is soon to be released by Tennessee. If quarterback remains a problem after this year, then Miami needs to sell the farm to draft its next franchise quarterback. But in the meantime, this would be my approach.

3. Make a splash on D: To me, the Dolphins’ three biggest needs are quarterback, running back and then free safety. Even if Miami didn’t add a defender of any sort in free agency, I would rank its 2011 defense among the best in the NFL. I am that high on this group. But what if the Dolphins could land a real talent at free safety? Imagine the possibilities. This is a deep free-agent class of safeties. I would love to see the Dolphins sign someone like Michael Huff or especially Eric Weddle. Even adding a solid player with upside like Brodney Pool would be helpful here.

Top free agents: Ronnie Brown, Ricky Williams, Tony McDaniel, Richie Incognito, Tyler Thigpen

New England Patriots

1. Lock up Logan Mankins: Because the Patriots designated Mankins their franchise player, I didn’t include him among their top free agents. But New England does have to get him locked up. Mankins might just be the best guard in all of football. With Matt Light potentially leaving town, the Patriots cannot afford additional unrest along their offensive line. Mankins would be the ideal player to line up next to Nate Solder to help the rookie’s transition to the NFL.

2. Find a pass-rusher: I see outside linebacker as New England’s greatest need, followed distantly by wide receiver and defensive end. Although I expect Jermaine Cunningham to develop quickly into a solid starter, adding one more edge player who can be disruptive on throwing downs is something that still needs to be addressed after the team curiously ignored it in the draft. The name I like best for the Patriots here is Mathias Kiwanuka, if his health checks out. He is smart, versatile and has some experience at linebacker. Two other players who fit the bill are Matt Roth and Manny Lawson.

3. Acquire a deep threat: I am not as sold as most that New England must add a wide receiver who can stretch the field. But this is a tremendous organization, and the Pats just don’t have many needs, so picking up such a luxury player could be the difference between a Super Bowl championship or another early exit in the postseason. My favorite fit for the Patriots is Braylon Edwards. Edwards is immensely talented, and if submersed in this environment with Tom Brady throwing him the ball, he could quickly rank among the top wideouts in all of football.

Top free agents: Matt Light, Gerard Warren

New York Jets

1. Make critical decisions on their own players: The Jets have a lot of free agents, and they are one of the teams in the league with the least amount of money to spend as it stands today. New York has come very close to its goal the past couple of seasons, but this free-agency period is absolutely critical to staying among the best teams in the NFL.

2. Address wide receiver: Considering who is up for free agency, wide receiver has to be the biggest worry for the Jets right now. I greatly respect Braylon Edwards’ abilities, but Santonio Holmes is just the better player right now. In fact, I see Holmes as a top-10 wide receiver. He is incredible in the clutch. Mark Sanchez needs quality options to throw to at this point of his young career. If the Jets brought back Holmes, increased TE Dustin Keller's role and also found a bargain at wide receiver late in free agency (maybe Randy Moss or Chad Ochocinco), then I think they would be OK.

3. Don’t forget about the trenches: The Jets are a physical team that is strong on both lines of scrimmage. Two of their starting offensive line spots are uncertain at this point. And although they drafted Muhammad Wilkerson and Kendrick Ellis, rookie defensive linemen rarely make a major impact -- especially in a 3-4. Shaun Ellis is probably going to be playing elsewhere, and New York doesn’t have a high-end outside linebacker. So there are concerns up front. The Jets will have to sign some cheaper veteran options -- probably to one-year contracts -- to shore things up.

Top free agents: Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards, Shaun Ellis, Antonio Cromartie, Brodney Pool, Brad Smith

Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com. Follow Matt Williamson on Twitter @WilliamsonNFL.

» NFC: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South » Unrestricted FAs

Readiness factor: The Jets' coaching staff and much of the roster will remain intact, which reduces the learning curve. But the Jets won't have training-camp bonding time at SUNY Cortland, an enhancement Rex Ryan and his players prized the past two seasons. They already pulled the plug on their upstate training camp and will convene at team headquarters in Florham Park, N.J.

Biggest challenge: All their free agents. The Jets have some biggies, most notably at wide receiver. They must keep young quarterback Mark Sanchez's support staff stocked with weapons, and receivers Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith are about to hit the market. So are cornerback Antonio Cromartie and safeties Brodney Pool, Eric Smith and James Ihedigbo.

What a rush: The Jets quietly tied for eighth in the NFL in sacks last season but didn't have a fearsome presence in an overall defense designed to create mayhem. Of the 40 sacks they recorded last season, more than a quarter of them belonged to defensive backs and almost half were rung up by players who aren't under contract. The Jets released outside linebacker Jason Taylor (5 sacks). Defensive end Shaun Ellis (4.5 sacks) also has an expired contract.

Key players without contracts for 2011: In addition to the above, fullback Tony Richardson, cornerback Drew Coleman, top special-teams tackler Lance Laury, kicker Nick Folk, punter Steve Weatherford.

Mike Golic and Adam Schefter discuss whether Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards will re-sign with the Jets.

Buffalo Bills

Wide receiver Paul Hubbard was charged with drunken driving early Sunday morning.

Improving the run defense will be a top priority for the Bills as they head into training camp.

Miami Dolphins

While listing "10 moves teams should address before free agency," Pete Prisco says the Dolphins need to lock up nose tackle Paul Soliai to a long-term deal. Prisco: "I like him as a player, but this will be a tough negotiation. The question is whether he is as good as he was a year ago, coming into his own, or a year when he exceeded expectations." Armando Salguero of The Miami Herald offers his take on this dilemma facing the Dolphins.

New England Patriots

Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com: "So when the question is asked 'How aggressive will the Patriots be in free agency' this year, well, good luck answering that one. The unpredictable [Bill] Belichick has been tough to pin down over the past 11 years."

Lisa Olson of AOL Fanhouse pays tribute to Myra Kraft.

New York Jets

Can the Jets re-sign Braylon Edwards and Santonio Holmes? That's one of the questions ESPNNewYork.com's Rich Cimini asks as the lockout approaches its conclusion.

The New York Post's Brian Costello has his own set of questions for the Jets to address.

Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo News takes a look at the key areas that the Bills will need to address in free agency.

The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reports that the Bills could be dealing with another offseason hurdle when/if they arrive at St. John Fisher College for training camp.

Miami Dolphins

Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald says the Dolphins face a dilemma in dealing with their large defensive tackle Paul Soliai.

Former Dolphin Jason Taylor tells the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that "No ships have sailed, no bridges have been burned," leaving the door open for a return to Miami.

New England Patriots

Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com reports that veteran New England Patriots outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain underwent a surgical procedure on his abdomen on Friday, a source confirmed, while estimating a four-to-five week recovery period. The source said Banta-Cain had sustained the injury last season, and in meeting with team doctors at the end of the year, it was decided that no surgery was required. But Banta-Cain tweaked the injury in recent workouts, the source said. Missing five weeks would place Banta-Cain's status for the Patriots' season opener Sept. 12 at Miami in serious jeopardy.

New York Jets

Jets receiver Santonio Holmes is John Clayton's No. 2 free agent and Braylon Edwards is his No. 7 in what should be a wild free-agent signing period.

The Wall Street Journal asks: What about the receivers?