While headlines gravitate toward quarterback drama, blockbuster trades, and first-round picks, championship teams are often built in the margins. Through late-round gems, underrated signings, and extensions that fly under the radar. Across the AFC, franchises all looking to dethrone the Kansas City Chiefs, made subtle but crucial moves that could shape the outcome of the 2025 season. Here’s a look at each AFC team’s most overlooked, yet potentially impactful, move from this offseason.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills: WR Josh Palmer
After years of coming close to the Super Bowl, every offseason carries added weight for the Buffalo Bills. While much attention was given to their defensive additions. Most notably replacing future Hall of Famer Von Miller with former All-Pro Joey Bosa. The offense quietly got an intriguing boost as well.
Enter Josh Palmer, signed from the Chargers. With Amari Cooper and Mack Hollins departing in free agency, the door is wide open for Palmer to make an impact. Despite inconsistency in Los Angeles, Palmer flashed high-level traits. Over the past two seasons, he’s averaged more than 15 yards per reception, a perfect complement to 2024 breakout slot weapon Khalil Shakir.
Palmer’s true value lies in his elite route running and separation ability. He finished top 20 in both separation created and route win rate against man coverage. Which is a critical stat considering the Bills faced more man coverage than almost any team last year. For context, Buffalo’s 2024 leader in route win rate, Amari Cooper, ranked 61st. While Palmer isn’t a star, the Bills have proven they can win without one at receiver. At just 25 years old, his best football may still be ahead and Buffalo could be the place he finds it.
Miami Dolphins: WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
After two straight playoff berths, 2024 was a letdown for the Dolphins. Finishing 8–9 and missing the postseason, the team struggled through key injuries and a regression on the offensive line. Another major issue was the lack of size and consistency at wide receiver.
Miami’s top three receivers last year were all 5’10 or shorter, and they managed just three receptions over 40 yards, two of which came in Week 1. Desperate for a vertical and physical threat, Miami quietly added Nick Westbrook-Ikhine.
Though he saw limited snaps in 12 games last year, Westbrook-Ikhine posted 9 touchdowns on only 32 catches while averaging 15.5 yards per reception, which was nearly two yards more than team leader Jaylen Waddle (12.8). More than that, Westbrook-Ikhine brings something Miami desperately lacked, a reliable perimeter blocker. His willingness to engage on crack tosses and screens adds needed versatility.
He may not draw headlines, but Westbrook-Ikhine could unlock a more balanced and explosive Dolphins offense in 2025.
New England Patriots: LB Jack Gibbens
After a rocky 2024 season that ended with the firing of head coach Jerod Mayo, the Patriots turned to a familiar face. Hiring franchise legend Mike Vrabel to lead the reset. Vrabel wasted no time remaking the roster, bringing in names like Milton Williams, Stefon Diggs, and Carlton Davis.
Amid the headline additions, one of the more under-the-radar moves was the signing of linebacker Jack Gibbens. Someone Vrabel knows well from their time in Tennessee. Gibbens isn’t a household name, but he’s quietly effective. In 2023 under Vrabel, Gibbens totaled 95 tackles and a sack, showing strong instincts and coverage chops.
After Vrabel’s departure, Gibbens saw his snap count plummet in 2024 (234 total), but in four starts, he posted 41 tackles and earned an impressive 83.2 PFF grade on the season. Ranking 12th among all linebackers.
Now reuniting with Vrabel and playing alongside Robert Spillane (one of the league’s better run defenders), Gibbens could push for a starting role or at the very least, serve as a high-quality rotational piece in New England’s quest to get back to the top.
New York Jets: S Malachi Moore
The Jets entered 2024 with Super Bowl aspirations. A healthy Aaron Rodgers and an elite defense led many to believe a playoff return was imminent. Instead, New York stumbled to a 5–12 record. After a 2–3 start, the team shockingly fired head coach Robert Saleh, and under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich, the defense collapsed. Falling from 6th to 31st in defensive efficiency.
This offseason, the Jets hired Aaron Glenn, the architect behind Detroit’s rising defense, to be the teams head coach. In the draft, New York made a savvy move by trading up for Alabama safety Malachi Moore, a versatile and intelligent defender who was a two-year captain under Nick Saban.
Moore’s skillset fits perfectly within Aaron Glenn’s aggressive, hybrid scheme . Similar to his former Alabama teammate Brian Branch. Who vogued for Moore after developing a good relationship with Glenn in Detroit. Moore can play deep, in the box, or as a slot corner. He’s a strong communicator, a high-IQ defender, and plays with the physicality Glenn covets.
With Sauce Gardner, Azareye’h Thomas, and Moore forming the nucleus, the Jets could quietly be building one of the league’s best young secondaries.
AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers: Extending DeShon Elliott
Over the past two seasons, the quarterback saga has dominated headlines. Whether it’s been Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, or most recently Aaron Rodgers, the spotlight has left several standout performers underappreciated. Players like Nick Herbig, Calvin Austin III, and rookie Payton Wilson all flashed potential last season. But perhaps the most overlooked was veteran safety DeShon Elliott, who quietly had a breakout season while playing for his fourth team in as many years.
After a solid campaign in Miami, Elliott signed with Pittsburgh, where he posted a career year. Elliot recorded over 100 tackles, an interception, and two forced fumbles. He earned a respectable 70.2 PFF grade, including an elite 87.8 run defense grade, which ranked sixth among all safeties. Despite that level of production, Elliott remained outside the top 50 highest-paid safeties in the league.
Recognizing his value, the Steelers recently extended Elliott on a two-year, $12.5 million deal. Given how well his physical play style fits Pittsburgh’s defensive identity, bringing him back was a no-brainer.
Cincinnati Bengals: Signing Linebacker Oren Burks
Few teams boast the kind of offensive firepower the Cincinnati Bengals possess. Coming off a season in which Joe Burrow led the league in passing yards and touchdowns, and star receiver Ja’Marr Chase became just the fifth player since 1970 to lead the NFL in receptions, yards, and touchdowns, expectations were sky-high. However, after failing to make the playoffs, led to an offseason filled with uncertainty. Particularly with trade rumors surrounding Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson, and contract negotiations with Chase.
The Bengals ultimately retained both Chase and Higgins, but questions lingered about the defense. As standout edge Trey Hendrickson and first-round pick Shemar Stewart remain in standoffs with the team. With limited cap space, Cincinnati made a smart, low-cost addition by signing linebacker Oren Burks, fresh off a Super Bowl win in Philadelphia.
While Burks logged just 147 snaps in 2024, he impressed with an 83.0 PFF grade. He truly shined in the playoffs, stepping up for the injured Nakobe Dean and recording 25 tackles, a sack, and two forced fumbles. Following the release of veteran linebacker Germaine Pratt, Burks now has a path to significant playing time, either as a starter or high-end depth. This signing is a textbook low-risk, high-reward move for a Bengals defense in need of new energy.
Cleveland Browns: Drafting Running Back Dylan Sampson
The Cleveland Browns entered the offseason surrounded by uncertainty, particularly regarding Myles Garrett’s future and the quarterback situation. The team answered the first question by making Garrett the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. At quarterback, the Browns brought in Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, Dillion Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders. Leaving fans wondering what direction the team would take.
Cleveland instead shifted gears and focused on the ground game, drafting Ohio State’s Quinshon Judkins in the second round and doubling down by selecting Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson in the fourth. The message was clear. No matter who’s behind center the Browns want to run that football.
Sampson will likely begin the season as Judkins’ backup, but will see the field plenty. Known for his burst and underrated receiving ability, the 20-year-old has plenty of room to develop. There is already reports of him playing receiver in camp. If things go right, the Browns may have assembled one of the NFL’s best young running back duos for years to come.
Baltimore Ravens: Signing Jake Hummel
The Ravens have long been searching for a consistent running mate alongside All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith. While 2023 third-round pick Trenton Simpson flashed at times last year, he struggled with consistency and saw his role diminish as the year went on. With Malik Harrison and Chris Board no longer in the picture, the spot next to Smith is wide open.
One under-the-radar move that could pay off is the Ravens’ signing of Jake Hummel. Known mostly for his special teams prowess, Hummel has showed he can also contribute on defense. In his lone start in Week 18, he racked up eight tackles and earned an impressive 88.5 overall PFF grade.
Hummel will compete with Simpson and rookie Teddye Buchanan for playing time, and he could very well end up as the most productive of the group. While it didn’t make headlines, this move could quietly stabilize a key position for Baltimore.
AFC South
Houston Texans: Drafting Jaylen Reed
Since the rise of quarterback C.J. Stroud, the Texans have fully entered win-now mode. Houston furthered that notion this offseason. They traded away All-Pro offensive tackle Leremy Tunsil to Washington and added playmaking safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
With Tank Dell recovering from injury and Stefon Diggs now in New England, the Texans needed to retool their receiving corps. They addressed this by drafting a pair of dynamic Iowa State wideouts, Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel.
However, one of their most underrated picks came on the defensive side with the selection of Penn State safety Jaylen Reed in the sixth round. Many fans clamored for the Texans to bolster the trenches, but Reed’s availability presented tremendous value.
Projected by some as a fourth round talent, Reed is a Swiss Army knife. With ability in coverage, effective in run support, and dangerous as a blitzer. He’ll contribute immediately on special teams for a Texans unit that allowed the fifth-most return yardage last season. A quietly savvy move for a team looking to make a serious playoff push.
Indianapolis Colts: Drafting D.J. Giddens
Since the sudden retirement of Andrew Luck, the Colts have been searching for their franchise quarterback. That search led them to Anthony Richardson, the fourth overall pick in 2023, but his early struggles may land Indianapolis back in the top five.
One constant during this rollercoaster period has been All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor. When healthy, Taylor remains among the league’s elite, rushing for 1,431 yards in just 14 games last season. But he eclipsed 300 carries for the second time in his career, raising long-term durability concerns. The last time he reached that mark, he missed 13 games over the next two seasons.
To ease Taylor’s workload, the Colts drafted Kansas State’s D.J. Giddens. A powerful back with burst and balance, Giddens excels in the open field and adds value as a pass-catcher. He’ll first need to beat out free-agent addition Khalil Herbert, but don’t be surprised if Giddens carves out a key role early. Overshadowed by bigger moves, this selection may ultimately secure the Colts’ backfield for years to come.
Tennessee Titans: Drafting Oluwafemi Oladejo
Coming off a 3–14 season, newly hired GM Mike Borgonzi wasted no time reshaping the Titans. With the first overall pick, Tennessee selected quarterback Cam Ward locking down their signal-caller of the future. With that they focused heavily on both sides of the trenches by signing veterans like Dan Moore, Kevin Zeitler, and Dre’Mont Jones.
Last season, the Titans tied for the third-fewest sacks in the NFL. After losing Harold Landry, they had a glaring need on the edge. That’s where second-round pick Oluwafemi Oladejo comes in. A versatile pass rusher with significant physical tools.
While still raw, with just 10 starts as an edge rusher, Oladejo led UCLA in both sacks and tackles for loss last season. He brings ideal size and athleticism, with the ability to drop into coverage or stop the run, making him a valuable rotational piece from day one. For a defense in need of some juice, even if he doesn’t start immediately, expect him to make an impact early.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Drafting Jack Kiser
The Jacksonville Jaguars knew it was time for a bold reset. They hired the youngest GM in the NFL, James Gladstone. With hesitation made headlines by trading up from the 5th pick to 2nd overall to draft Colorado superstar Travis Hunter. The aggressive move signaled a new era of ambition in Jacksonville.
New head coach Liam Coen made it clear he wanted players with a “physical mindset,” and the Jaguars embodied that vision with the selection of linebacker Jack Kiser. A six-year veteran at Notre Dame, Kiser brings championship experience and a proven ability to perform under pressure.
He’s known for his high football IQ, toughness, and relentless motor in the run game. Qualities that fit perfectly with a Jaguars defense that allowed the eighth-most rushing yards last season. While the flashy moves took center stage, Kiser could quickly push playing and help stabilize a unit in need of leadership and consistency. Don’t be surprised if he’s one of the early standouts in Jacksonville’s push back to relevance.
AFC West
Denver Broncos: Drafting Sai’vion Jones
Behind an impressive rookie season from quarterback Bo Nix, the Denver Broncos reached the playoffs and silenced many critics. With their sights now firmly set on contention, they made several impact additions. Headlined by Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga, two Pro Bowl-caliber defenders when healthy.
In the draft, Denver added defensive back Jahdae Barron, a versatile weapon for Vance Joseph’s secondary. But their most underrated move may have come in the fourth round with the selection of LSU edge rusher Sai’vion Jones. Though Jones had inconsistencies, the Broncos defensive line coach Jamar Cain, coached Jones at LSU in 2022. Cain saw firsthand Jones’ size, effort, and ability to play multiple spots across the line.
While other additions stole headlines, Jones could be a hidden gem. If his development accelerates under familiar coaching, he might be the kind of late-round steal that helps push Denver through the AFC gauntlet.
Los Angeles Chargers: Signing Da’Shawn Hand
The Chargers entered the offseason in full win-now mode following yet another disappointing playoff exit. Under year two of head coach Jim Harbaugh and GM Joe Hortiz, wasted no time reshaping the roster—bringing in Najee Harris and reuniting with wide receiver Mike Williams.
But many of their best decisions came in the margins. A move not garnering much buzz was the signing of veteran defensive lineman Da’Shawn Hand. While Hand’s stats may not jump off the page. He has consistently made his presence felt in run defense throughout his career. In 2023, he posted a 87.6 pff grade. With an impressive 79.6 run defense grade, ranking fourth among all NFL defensive linemen.
Despite finishing as the league’s top scoring defense last season, the Chargers still allowed the sixth-most yards per carry. Hand brings exactly what this team needs: gap integrity, power, and a proven ability to anchor against the run. For a franchise centered around maximizing Justin Herbert’s prime, low-cost additions like Hand are crucial.
Kansas City Chiefs: Drafting Jalen Royals
The Kansas City Chiefs were just one win away from becoming the first team in the Super Bowl era to three-peat. But a stunning 40–22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles halted their bid for football immortality.
As Travis Kelce nears retirement, Kansas City has begun quietly preparing for the future. With Rashee Rice returning from injury and Hollywood Brown battling persistent availability issues, wide receiver depth continues to be a concern.
That’s where fourth-round pick Jalen Royals enters the picture. The Utah State product brings great speed, fluid route running, and natural after the catch instincts. Early reports from camp have been glowing, with Royals already earning praise for his polish and work ethic. Though he may not be a household name yet, Royals could be another mid-round success story in Andy Reid’s system and a reliable option if injuries strike again.
Las Vegas Raiders: Drafting Don’t’e Thronton
The Las Vegas Raiders were among the teams that hit the reset button this offseason. Led by newly appointed GM John Spytek, the goal was clear. Raiders want to build a legitimate contender. The Raiders brought in legendary coach Pete Carroll, pairing him once again with veteran quarterback Geno Smith in a move rooted in familiarity and stability.
With the offense needing more explosive playmakers beyond Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers, the team selected dynamic running back Ashton Jeanty with the 6th overall pick. However, one move flying under the radar was the drafting of wide receiver Don’t’e Thornton.
In classic Raiders fashion, Thornton brings rare, eye-popping traits. Measuring in at 6’5” and running a blazing 4.30 forty-yard dash. The Raiders’ deep passing game struggled in 2024, With just three receptions over 40 yards from wide receivers. Thornton, for comparison, had six receptions of over 50 yards in his final college season alone.
If his speed and vertical ability translate, Thornton could become the deep threat the Raiders have sorely lacked and be one of the steals of the draft.
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