AFC East News: Jets Acquire Star Pass Rusher, Dolphins Extend Pro-Bowl Running Back

The AFC East is home to two playoff-hopeful teams for the 2024 season, which are the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets. The New England Patriots and New York Jets also populate the division but the Pats are in a rebuild mode. The Jets could rebound next season, but that will be predicated on quarterback Aaron Rodgers being healthy.

Despite a 7-10 season in 2023 for the Jets, they have been plenty busy signing free agents to help bolster their team on both sides of the ball. Some notable additions have been offensive tackle Tyron Smith and wide receiver Mike Williams. The team has now added perennial pass rusher Haason Reddick, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Trade: Eagles are sending edge-rusher Haason Reddick to the New York Jets for a conditional 2026 third-round pick that could be a second, sources tell ESPN.

The 2026 pick becomes a 2nd if Reddick has 67.5% playtime this season and has 10 or more sacks. If not, it’s a 2023 third pic.twitter.com/AcjiqZE2L4

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 29, 2024

Reddick comes over from the Philadelphia Eagles and will replace Bryce Huff, who left the Jets for the Eagles. It appears both teams decided to swap pass rushers. The Jets have sent a conditional third-round pick, which could become a second.

Haason Reddick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after a play during the first quarter in the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on January 07, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey….

Elsa/Getty Images

Reddick is a monster addition to an already stout Jets defense. In his last season, Reddick secured 11 sacks (2021), 16 sacks (2022), and 11 sacks (2023).

The Jets’ defense already has star cornerback Sauce Gardner, who is one of the best at his current position. Adding Reddick should make the defensive unit that much scarier.

The Jets aren’t the only AFC East team that made a big signing today, as the Miami Dolphins have also announced a new extension for Pro Bowl running back Raheem Mostert, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

The Dolphins announced that they have signed Mostert to a new two-year deal worth a max of $9.075 million. This will keep Mostert with the team through the 2025 season.

Mostert became one of the most integral parts of the Dolphins offense in 2023. Not only did he set a career-high in touchdowns and rushing yards with 1,012 rushing yards and 18 TDs, but he led the league with 21 total TDs (18 rushing, 3 receiving).

Mostert was elected to the Pro Bowl and should be a stalwart part of the offensive attack for the Dolphins in 2024 as well. Mostert and a healthy Devon Achane could be the best RB tandem next season.

The AFC East has been a battle between the Bills and Dolphins the past few seasons, but with the Jets making massive additions to their team, there could be a three-way race for the divisional crown come January. Again, this all depends on Rodgers being healthy, but he has had plenty of time to heal from his torn Achilles.