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On Thursday, we examined the AFC East after the first two weeks of free agency. Now it's your turn to chime in.

Which division team made the best offseason move? There are several good ones to choose from.

Will the Tim Tebow acquisition be a genius move for New York? Tebow brings a lot to the table in terms of athleticism, heart, character and work ethic. However, Tebow is not a natural quarterback, and he potentially brings a media circus with him.

What about the Buffalo Bills' $100 million signing of defensive end Mario Williams? He was the biggest free-agent prize not named Peyton Manning. Is Williams the catalyst to get the Bills over the hump and into the playoffs?

There was also the underrated signing of New England Patriots receiver Brandon Lloyd. New England needed a deep threat at receiver and tabbed Lloyd, who worked with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels in St. Louis and Denver.

Finally, the Miami Dolphins also re-signed Paul Soliai for a bargain price of $12 million over two years. Soliai was a Pro Bowler in 2011, and one of the league’s best run-stoppers.

Using our SportsNation poll, vote on the best offseason move so far in the AFC East. You can also share your thoughts in the comment section below.

The Miami Dolphins lost a solid player Saturday in starting defensive end Kendall Langford. He agreed to a four-year, $24 million contract with the St. Louis Rams, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Langford was a four-year starter in Miami and one of the team's best run stoppers. But the $6 million per year price tag was too much for the Dolphins. Miami just paid Pro Bowl defensive tackle Paul Soliai $6 million per season, which comparatively looks like a bargain.

In addition, the Dolphins already have Langford's replacement ready. It is now Jared Odrick’s time to shine in Miami. Langford's exit propels Odrick, a 2010 first-round pick, from a part-time starter to a full-time starter. Odrick has eight starts the past two seasons.

Odrick has done a good job of steadily improving. He recorded 22 tackles, a career-high six sacks and one interception last year. He's only 24 and showed a good mix of pass-rushing moves and holding the point of attack against the run.

Odrick's ceiling appears high entering his third season. Now, he will get the playing time to prove it under new Miami defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle.

The Miami Dolphins are full of surprises in the first week of free agency.

One day after trading Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall, Miami retained another Pro Bowler -- defensive tackle Paul Soliai -- with a two-year, $12 million contract. It's an affordable contract for a quality player.

Many thought Soliai was all but gone after Miami failed to reach a long-term agreement with him for the past year. The Dolphins gave Soliai the franchise tag last year but weren't going that route again this offseason.

Soliai was on the open market for about 24 hours before Miami reached an agreement. He is the team's best run stuffer and will be the anchor in the middle of Miami's revamped defense. New Dolphins defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle has not confirmed if they will run a 4-3 or 3-4 defense next season.

The New York Jets have agreed to a three-year contract with pending free-agent nose tackle Sione Pouha, the team announced. Pouha played in all 16 games last season and had 58 tackles and one sack.

This was a move the Jets had to make. Pouha is one of the Jets' biggest cogs in the middle of their 3-4 defense, which ranked fifth in the NFL last season. He faces a lot of double teams and allows other players to fly to the football and make plays.

There aren't many natural 3-4 nose tackles in free agency. If New York couldn't re-sign Pouha, perhaps former Miami Dolphins nose tackle Paul Soliai would have been an option.

Also, credit an assist to Jets starting quarterback Mark Sanchez. New York signed its quarterback to a five-year contract extension Friday night to provide the Jets with the necessary cap room to re-sign Pouha and still have room for free agency, which begins Tuesday.

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

• The Buffalo News reports former Bills head coach Greg Williams had a "pay for performance" system for big hits in Buffalo, as well.

Morning take: Williams' awful three-year tenure (17-31) in Buffalo just got worse. It's been almost a decade since Williams last coached in Buffalo, so don't expect any stiff penalties. But the league may look into Williams' time with the Bills.

• New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan said in a statement that he never condoned the pay-for-performance system.

Morning take: Ryan felt the need to clear the air, because Williams coach under Ryan's father, Buddy. Williams is considered part of the Ryan coaching tree.

• The Boston Globe takes a look at free-agent possibilities for the New England Patriots.

Morning take: I'm curious of what the Patriots will do defensively in free agency. They have so many needs at all three levels. What will New England go after first?

• The South-Florida Sun Sentinel says time is running out on nose tackle Paul Soliai.

Morning take: The tag is not coming, so expect Soliai to become an unrestricted free agent. He will get his money somewhere, but most likely it won't be in Miami.

NFL free agency is set to start in two weeks, and the Miami Dolphins' best defensive lineman -- Paul Soliai -- is close to hitting the open market.

But Soliai's agent, David Canter, told ESPN's Josina Anderson Wednesday that Miami can still make a last-minute push to keep the 2011-12 Pro Bowler.

"Paul's situation is unique, but they know where we stand. We're optimistic that they will make a big push for him. However, I don't think they can keep him if they don't offer him a long-term deal, but they know that. Miami has a chance to re-sign him if they get aggressive and give him the deal that they know we will take."

Credit Canter for staying open-minded, but it looks like Soliai is a goner. The two sides have tried to work out a long-term extension without any result for more than a year. It would be a surprise if the Dolphins changed their tune in the next two weeks.

It also doesn't help that Miami has new leadership at head coach (Joe Philbin) and defensive coordinator (Kevin Coyle). The Dolphins' defense will implement more 4-3 concepts next season, which doesn't play to Soliai's strengths as a classic 3-4 nose tackle.

Soliai is a good player who will get his money and the type of contract he deserves. But it most likely won't come from the Dolphins.

It would be a major surprise if the Miami Dolphins made a last-ditch effort to keep starting defensive tackle Paul Soliai. After more than a year of negotiations, neither side has come close to an agreement on a long-term extension.

The franchise tag was put on Soliai last year, but all indications are he will hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent in March. Soliai was a good nose tackle in Miami's 3-4 defense. But the Dolphins are expected to either switch to a 4-3 full-time or at least implement a lot of 4-3 concepts under first-year defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle.

That leaves Soliai, and his high price tag, as the odd man out in Miami. But ESPN.com AFC West blogger Bill Williamson believes Soliai may find a home out west with the San Diego Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs. Both teams play 3-4 defenses, which is where Soliai is more valuable and more comfortable.

Miami's defense is talented and should be fine without Soliai. He will cash in somewhere in free agency, just not with the Dolphins, who have bigger needs.

Two of four teams in the AFC East are switching to 4-3 defenses in 2012. The Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins have new defensive coordinators in Dave Wannstedt and Kevin Coyle, respectively. Both coaches will spend the offseason implementing their new scheme.

But is it a wise move for the Bills and Dolphins? Here are a few thoughts:

• For starters, I think it's very smart for the Bills to move to a 4-3. This has been suggested for a while. Whether it was coaching or personnel, the 3-4 simply didn't work in Buffalo. Wannstedt is a 4-3 coach and will run the scheme he's most comfortable with. The Bills also have 4-3 personnel already on the roster, starting with bookend defensive tackles Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus.
• But the Bills still need to find their pass rush. If they can't get to the quarterback, it doesn't matter what scheme Buffalo plays. Usually in a 4-3 scheme, the pass rush comes from the defensive ends. The Bills don't really have any pass-rushing ends. Look for Buffalo to focus on that in the draft and free agency.
• I have more mixed feelings about Miami's switch. The Dolphins' defense wasn't broken, far from it. It's been very good the past couple of years and I'm not sure there was a need for change. Switching to a 4-3 could mess with continuity. I like the Coyle hire. But he's going to have some work on his hands changing the dynamics of a veteran defense.
• The biggest worry for Miami is that its run defense could suffer. The Dolphins were air-tight against the run most weeks. Players were disciplined and stayed in their gaps. But responsibilities will change in a 4-3 scheme, which will be an adjustment. You also wonder if Miami will have the two stout defensive tackles next season to plug the middle. Miami's best defensive tackle, Paul Soliai, is an unrestricted free agent and not expected to return.

The AFC East blog continues its rankings of the top 40 players in the division.

Here are Nos. 21-24:

No. 24: Antonio Cromartie, CB

Team: New York Jets

Stats: 45 tackles, four interceptions

Analysis: Cromartie isn't the same player he was a few years ago. But he's still a solid No. 2 option for the Jets. Cromartie gets a lot of balls thrown his way playing opposite Pro Bowl corner Darrelle Revis. This year it seemed Cromartie was beat in coverage more than in past years. But Cromartie did provide several big interception returns and a boost returning kicks. He is a gifted athlete who can still have a big game at any time.

No. 23: Andy Levitre, OL

Team: Buffalo Bills

Stats: 16 starts

Analysis: Levitre was one of the most impressive offensive linemen I watched all season in the AFC East. He was the only player in the division to start at three positions -- tackle, guard and center -- in 2011. Center was the only position Levitre had problems with, but he is a very good guard and tackle. Versatility is his biggest strength. Levitre also is 25 and will only get better.

No. 22: Paul Soliai, NT

Team: Miami Dolphins

Stats: 27 tackles

Analysis: As with most nose tackles in a 3-4 defense, the stats don't tell the full story for Soliai. He is a stud in the middle and he's about to cash in as an unrestricted free agent. Soliai played with the one-year franchise tag in 2011 and was key to Miami's tough run defense. He only recorded 27 tackles but took up many double-teams to allow other Dolphin defenders to make plays. The Dolphins are not expected to franchise Soliai a second straight year, and the team has been unable to work out a contract extension. Look for another team with a 3-4 defense to swoop in.

No. 21: Brian Waters, G

Team: New England Patriots

Stats: 16 starts

Analysis: Lost in the hype of the Chad Ochocinco and Albert Haynesworth additions was the Patriots' free-agent signing of Waters. The guard quietly came in and put up another Pro Bowl season in his first year with New England. Waters quickly picked up the system and was a steady force on a Patriots' offensive line that suffered multiple injuries. Waters, 34, played most of his career in Kansas City. He earned his first playoff win this season and nearly got his first Super Bowl ring.

Free agency is upon us in the NFL, and every team in the AFC East has important decisions to make.

Here is a preview of players who could be eligible for the franchise tag in the division.

New England Patriots: WR Wes Welker

Analysis: This much is certain -- New England is not letting Welker walk. The Patriots will spend the next month negotiating a long-term extension with Welker, the team's leading receiver. If not, expect Welker to get tagged. Many teams use the tag as a way to buy time and lengthen the negotiations. That would give New England and Welker several more months for negotiate. But whether it's one year or multiple years, Welker will be a Patriot in 2012. He's too important to the offense.

Tag probability: 50 percent

Miami Dolphins: DT Paul Soliai

Analysis: I doubt the Dolphins want to use the tag on Soliai for a second consecutive year. The price would go up by at least 10 percent and pay Soliai the average of the top five players at that position. Soliai is a good player, but he's not a top-five defensive lineman. The Dolphins were very tough against the run because Soliai plugged the middle. But his production (27 tackles) can be replaced. Without the franchise tag, Soliai probably would get more on the open market than he could returning to Miami.

Tag probability: 20 percent

Buffalo Bills: WR Steve Johnson

Analysis: This is a tricky one. Johnson wants to return to Buffalo, but he wants No. 1 receiver money. The Bills want Johnson but at a price they are comfortable with. That's pretty much been the story since the beginning of last season. I think it's 50-50 whether Johnson returns to Buffalo but very little chance he gets the franchise tag. The question is will Buffalo budge and pay Johnson $7 million to $8 million per season to return? If Johnson's representation feels he can get that somewhere else on the open market, they will wait it out until March unless Buffalo ups its price. But the Bills most likely aren't tagging Johnson to keep him for just one year.

Tag probability: 10 percent

There are no franchise-tag candidates on the New York Jets. Here is their list of unrestricted free agents.

The 2012 Pro Bowl will take place Sunday at 7 p.m.

Here is a list of players to watch from the AFC East:

Miami Dolphins

• WR Brandon Marshall
• DT Paul Soliai

New York Jets

• OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson
• C Nick Mangold
• G Brandon Moore
• CB Darrelle Revis

No Buffalo Bills made the Pro Bowl. The New England Patriots led the AFC with eight Pro Bowl players. But the Patriots will be playing in the Super Bowl Feb. 5, and none of their players will participate.

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

• Miami Dolphins defensive tackle and pending free agent Paul Soliai was added to the Pro Bowl as an injury replacement.
• The New York Jets hired former Dolphins offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo.
• New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick talks about the dynamic of offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien working with future offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
• The Buffalo Bills look back at tight end Scott Chandler's best game of the season against the Kansas City Chiefs.
• Here is a recap of this week's AFC East chat, covering a variety of topics.

Free agency begins in less than two months. Teams around the league are planning their strategies and figuring out which big names to pursue.

But where teams stand with the $120-million salary cap next season will be an indicator of which will be aggressive and which won't.

Let's take an early look at the projected 2012 cap numbers in the AFC East:

Buffalo Bills (6-10)

Projected cap: $105.5 million

Key free agents: WR Steve Johnson, TE Scott Chandler, K Rian Lindell

Analysis: The Bills are looking pretty good entering free agency. General manager Buddy Nix says the team will spend to the cap this year. The first order of business is deciding on Johnson's future. The two sides are still a ways apart and I think it's a 50-50 proposition. With or without Johnson, Buffalo has the space to acquire impact players. We mentioned Houston Texans defensive end/linebacker and unrestricted free agent Mario Williams as a possibility to help the Bills' pass rush. But getting Williams -- or any top free agent -- to come to Buffalo will be a tough sell.

Miami Dolphins (6-10)

Projected cap: $114.3 million

Key free agents: DT Paul Soliai, G Vernon Carey, QB Chad Henne

Analysis: The Dolphins are in decent (but not great) shape with the cap. There will be an interesting dynamic in Miami to keep an eye on this offseason. Usually when a new coach comes in, there is huge turnover in the coach's first season. But that probably won't happen with general manager Jeff Ireland still in charge of the 53-man roster. Ireland is not going to cut many of the players he helped bring to Miami. But the Dolphins would have to do something if they want to make enough room to make a splash for a big free agent. Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn is a good example.

New England Patriots (13-3)

Projected cap: $99.9 million

Key free agents: WR Wes Welker, DE Andre Carter, WR Deion Branch

Analysis: It's amazing that the best team in the AFC East also is in the best shape with the cap. The Patriots have done a masterful job and have plenty of money to spend in free agency if they choose. A big chunk of it will go to Welker, who is due for a nice payday. New England won't let Welker slip away. The Patriots also have the tools to acquire defensive help in free agency, as well as sign their two first-round picks and two second-round picks in the draft. The Patriots are in position to be a major force again next season.

New York Jets (8-8)

Projected cap: $125 million

Key free agents: WR Plaxico Burress, DT Sione Pouha, S Jim Leonhard

Analysis: The Jets are the only AFC East team projected to be over the cap. This was a team built to win now and it didn't work out; now New York has to make some trimmings on the roster if it wants to do anything in free agency. There's a good chance Burress and Leonhard won't return. Pouha is a good player and could come back at the right price. Running back LaDainian Tomlinson also is a free agent. But his role was drastically reduced this past season and it's unlikely he will return. Tomlinson is contemplating retirement.

The 2011 season was an interesting one filled with ups and mostly downs for the AFC East. Only one team finished with a winning record.

But that doesn't mean the AFC East lacked great individual performances. For example, the division produced an MVP candidate at quarterback who threw for more than 5,000 yards and another stellar season from the best cornerback in football.

Here is our All-AFC East Team for 2011:

Quarterback: Tom Brady, New England Patriots

Analysis: There is no question about this one. Brady set a new career-high with 5,235 passing yards, which surpassed Dan Marino's old record. New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (5,476) finished with more yards and has the new record. Brady is the single biggest reason the Patriots are 13-3 and have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. His performance carried New England through injuries and inconsistencies in other areas. Brady will be chasing his fourth Super Bowl title in the playoffs.

Running back: Fred Jackson, Buffalo Bills

Analysis: This might be a controversial pick, because two other running backs -- Reggie Bush and Shonn Greene -- had 1,000-yard seasons. But Jackson was the best running back I watched this season. He simply had some bad luck, suffering a season-ending leg injury. He was on his way to making his first Pro Bowl. Jackson rushed for 934 yards and six touchdowns in 10 games. He had an additional 442 yards receiving. His numbers would be off the charts if he'd played the final six games.

Fullback: Charles Clay, Dolphins

Analysis: Clay was one of the surprise rookies from Miami's draft class. He was a good blocker for Bush, has great hands and knows what to do with the football. Clay caught 16 passes for 233 yards. He averaged 14.6 yards per reception, which is astounding for a fullback. John Conner of the Jets is the best blocking fullback. But Conner is not a receiving threat.

Receivers: Wes Welker, Patriots; Brandon Marshall, Dolphins

Analysis: The best receivers in the AFC East this season are a pair of Pro Bowlers. Welker had an unbelievable year. He set a new career high with 1,569 yards. He also caught 122 passes and was one of the league's most sure-handed receivers. Marshall, in contrast, wasn't sure-handed. He had plenty of big drops, but still had a good season. Marshall caught 81 passes for 1,214 yards and six touchdowns. What's even more impressive is that Marshall put up big numbers despite Miami's in-season quarterback switch from Chad Henne to Matt Moore.

Tight end: Rob Gronkowski, Patriots

Analysis: Gronkowski showed flashes as a rookie. But no one knew he would explode the way he did in his second season. "Gronk" set an NFL record for tight ends with 17 touchdowns. He averaged more than one per game, despite many teams' focus on stopping him late in the season. Gronkowski finished with 90 receptions for 1,327 yards and made his first Pro Bowl. Considering he's only 22, it will most likely be the first of many Pro Bowls.

Center: Nick Mangold, Jets

Analysis: Jets head coach Rex Ryan says a lot of things. But we believe him when he says Mangold is the best center in the NFL. Mangold fought through an ankle injury but had another solid season. He was named to his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl. The Jets' offensive line was up and down but completely fell apart when Mangold missed two games. New York's entire running game and blocking scheme is built around its center -- and for good reason.

Guards: Logan Mankins, Patriots; Andy Levitre, Bills

Analysis: Mankins, who made his fourth Pro Bowl, stayed healthy right up until the end and played 15 of 16 games. He should be ready for the playoffs. Levitre was one of my favorite players to watch because of his versatility. He's a very good guard, a solid offensive tackle and struggled at center. Levitre was forced to play all three positions in Buffalo this season because of injuries.

Offensive tackles: Jake Long, Dolphins; Matt Light, Patriots

Analysis: Long played through injuries all season. His back bothered him, and he ended up on injured reserve after tearing his biceps. But Long at 80 percent is still better than most left tackles, and he was good enough to make his fourth Pro Bowl in four years. Light gets our last tackle spot over New York's D’Brickashaw Ferguson. The Pro Bowl nod went to Ferguson. But Ferguson struggled at times this season and didn't play up to his usual standards. I think Ferguson got in on reputation and name recognition.

Defensive ends: Andre Carter, Patriots; Mark Anderson, Patriots

Analysis: No one flinched when the Patriots quietly signed a pair of veteran defensive ends in free agency to bolster their pass rush. Most of the focus was on big-name acquisitions such as receiver Chad Ochocinco and defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. But two of New England's best signings were Carter and Anderson. Each finished with 10 sacks, and Carter made the Pro Bowl despite a late, season-ending quad injury. For all of New England's issues on defense, arguably its biggest strength was rushing the passer. The Patriots registered 40 sacks, and Carter and Anderson combined for half of that total.

Defensive tackles: Vince Wilfork, Patriots; Sione Pouha, Jets

Analysis: Wilfork, 30, continues to improve with age. He combines strength and smarts to play defensive tackle/nose tackle. Wilfork finished with 52 tackles and 3.5 sacks. But it was his two interceptions this season that were most memorable. Wilfork rumbled for 28 and 19 yards, respectively, on his two picks. The second defensive tackle was one of the most difficult selections. But we went with Pouha over Miami's Paul Soliai. Pouha's numbers were more impressive for a nose tackle. He recorded 58 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble. Soliai played well for Miami but registered only 27 tackles.

Outside linebackers: Cameron Wake, Dolphins; Calvin Pace, Jets

Analysis: It was a down year for outside linebackers in the AFC East. Wake and Pace were the best of a thin crop. Wake's sack numbers dipped from 14 to 8.5 this season. Teams put more focus on Wake, and he faced more double teams. Pace stayed healthy this season but recorded his lowest sack total (4.5) since 2006. Pace's backup, Aaron Maybin, led the Jets with six sacks.

Inside linebackers: David Harris, Jets; Karlos Dansby, Dolphins

Analysis: Harris continues to be one of the most underrated players in the NFL. Harris was the Jets' most consistent defensive player outside of Darrelle Revis. He was always around the football and recorded 86 tackles, five sacks and four interceptions. The second inside linebacker was another tough call. But we think Dansby had a slightly better season than New England's Jerod Mayo. A tailback getting 100 yards against the Dolphins' defense was rare, in large part due to Dansby. He established a physical presence in the middle for Miami and recorded 103 tackles and two sacks.

Cornerbacks: Darrelle Revis, Jets; Kyle Arrington, Patriots

Analysis: What more can you say about Revis? He had another great season for the Jets. He led New York with 21 passes defended, and tied for the team lead with four interceptions. One pick was returned 100 yards for a touchdown. Teams opted to attack Revis more this season, which allowed more chances for him to make big plays. Arrington was this year's version of Devin McCourty. New England gave up a lot of passing yards, but Arrington made the most of his interception opportunities. He led the Patriots with seven picks and had 88 tackles.

Safeties: Yeremiah Bell, Dolphins; George Wilson, Bills

Analysis: The safeties struggled in the AFC East this season. But Bell was probably the most consistent in the division. He led Miami with 107 tackles. He also had two sacks and one interception. Wilson played lights out at times, particularly early in the season. He set a career high with 106 tackles and tied a career mark with four interceptions. Wilson did all of this despite missing three games with injuries.

Punter: Brandon Fields, Dolphins

Analysis: Fields was spectacular this season. He averaged 48.8 yards per punt and had 32 punts inside the 20. Fields was the only Dolphins player exciting to watch during Miami's ugly 0-7 start. Fields had a Pro Bowl season. But Oakland Raiders punter and Pro Bowler Shane Lechler is probably the best punter in the NFL.

Kicker: Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots

Analysis: Fantasy football players fell in love with Gostkowski this season. New England's high-scoring offense constantly put Gostkowski in position to rack up points, and he usually came through. Gostkowski led New England in scoring with 143 points. He made 28 of 33 field goals and all 59 extra points. The pressure of the playoffs always is different for kickers. But Gostkowski has shown no signs that he will be bothered by it.

Return specialist: Joe McKnight, Jets

Analysis: McKnight was a must-see because something exciting could happen every time he touched the ball. McKnight was fun to watch in the open field. He averaged 31.6 yards per kick return and is a Pro Bowl alternate on special teams. His longest of the season was a 107-yard touchdown return. The next step for McKnight is to develop as a running back. With LaDainian Tomlinson a free agent, McKnight could get a chance to backup Greene next season.

» NFC Wrap-ups: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Arrow indicates direction team is trending.

Final Power Ranking: 24
Preseason Power Ranking: 24

Biggest surprise: Who knew career backup Matt Moore would be the best quarterback on Miami's roster and the second-best quarterback in the AFC East (courtesy of the "Sanchez-Fitz-Moore Watch")? He proved it by taking over for the injured Chad Henne and leading the Dolphins to a respectable finish. Moore started 12 games and threw for 2,497 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He had an 87.1 passer rating and was 6-6 as a starter. Moore made his best case to be Miami's starter in 2012, but expect the team to see if it can find an upgrade via the draft or free agency in the offseason.

Biggest disappointment: Henne, a former second-round pick, is officially a bust. Dolphins fans were ahead of the curve and knew it before the team did. Miami supporters were already down on Henne and booed him last summer. The Dolphins were willing to give Henne one more shot, and he started 0-4 and suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. Henne says he wants to stay, but that's unlikely. He's an unrestricted free agent and wants a chance to start. That won't happen in Miami next season.

Biggest need: It starts at the top for Miami. The Dolphins need a head coach to establish the future direction of the team. Former coach Tony Sparano was fired during the season and replaced by interim coach Todd Bowles. The Dolphins interviewed Bowles, who went 2-1, for the job. But the team most likely will hire from the outside. The Dolphins interviewed Jeff Fisher this week. That's the best-case scenario. But Miami might have trouble landing a big-name coach to work under general manager Jeff Ireland, who will call the shots in Miami.

Team MVP: This is a tough call. Miami's solid finish was truly a team effort. But if we have to name one player, starting tailback Reggie Bush was the most consistent. Bush finished strong and had his first 1,000-yard season. He finished with 1,086 yards and six touchdowns. What was even more impressive is he stayed healthy enough to start 15 games. Durability has always been one of Bush's biggest questions because of his lack of size. But he proved in 2011 that he can be a feature back.

Free-agent watch: The Dolphins are pretty solid with contracts. One of the few big questions involves starting defensive tackle Paul Soliai. He is an underrated defensive tackle, but not by Miami. The Dolphins thought enough of Soliai to give him a one-year franchise tag. He doesn’t put up big numbers but helped anchor Miami’s fifth-ranked run defense. Now, the team has to decide whether to work out a long-term extension, use another tag or let Soliai walk.