Words with Frenz AFC East Mailbag, 3/16 Edition

With so much happening so fast in free agency, a lot of questions can pile up quick.

That's why it was no surprise that when I put out an APB for mailbag questions, my mentions filled up pretty quick.

There were questions from all around the division, from the Bills' chances to win the division, to the Jets' pass rush woes, to potential AFC East fits for free agent-to-be linebackers and more.

Let's dig right in.

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@ErikFrenz Would any of the AFC East teams be interested in Kamerion Wimbley if the Raiders released him, as reported? #WordsWithFrenz

— Zach Kruse (@zachkruse2) March 16, 2012"

Thanks, Zach.

After giving up a king's ransom for defensive end Mario Williams, I'd be surprised if the Bills make any more big splashes in free agency. The Dolphins have a bunch of money sewed up at linebacker, as well, and with other pressing needs—quarterback, anyone?—I'd be surprised to see them invest more at the position.

It looks like New England could use a pass-rushing outside linebacker like Wimbley, who has logged five or more sacks in five of his six seasons in the league, and has experience at the rush linebacker position where the Patriots currently have a need. However, Tom E. Curran of CSNNE.com says that the Patriots "won't be in the mix" if he's let go.

That leaves the Jets, who are a little cap-strapped at the moment, but have been reconstructing deals to create some comfort room. They could use some youth at linebacker, but Wimbley might be a little out of their price range.

As talented as Wimbley is, it looks like he won't be landing in the AFC East pending a release from the Raiders.

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@ErikFrenz WR????????What up lloyd???Wallace?Someone?

— jan(@janleighbee) March 16, 2012"

Thanks, Jan.

Brandon Lloyd is still in the crosshairs, and there hasn't been a whole lot of activity for him in free agency yet. He worked out for the 49ers, but they signed Randy Moss. The Steelers will certainly try to keep Mike Wallace, but I still don't think he's a great fit for what the Patriots do offensively. Still, that's an option New England could explore with two first-round picks.

Patriots fans are clearly getting anxious for answers at wide receiver. While I understand that the need for an outside-the-numbers threat should be on their list, it's important to have some perspective.

1. They have $9.4 million tied up in Wes Welker's franchise tag; they could lower the number with a long term extension, but they have to be prepared to spend that much on him in 2012.
2. Have you seen the contracts being handed out to receivers? Straight up bonkers. If you're a Patriots fan, you should be glad that the Patriots didn't get too aggressive on the open market at wide receiver. That's a lot of money to invest at one position.
3. We're only in the fourth day of free agency. There's plenty of time left.
4. There are plenty of younger receivers in the draft that are big, physical threats on the outside.

Step off the ledge, Patriots fans. There are plenty of chances for your already-explosive offense to improve even further.

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@ErikFrenz #WordsWithFrenz Will the bills will be contenders for the afc east division championship? and if so why?

— Andrew D. Parrish (@MRHELLAHANDS0ME) March 16, 2012"

Thanks, Andrew.

The Bills have the pieces in place to be a contender, whether they'll actually be one or not is another question. They have made the right moves by my estimation in free agency thus far. Re-signing Stevie Johnson was a must, since they lack a true No. 1 receiver (and some might say they still do). Say what you will about handing out mega deals, but adding Mario Williams really was a slam dunk for that defense, which lacked a true 4-3 defensive end and got arguably one of the best in the NFL.

Call it cliché, but Buffalo's chances at contending in the AFC East rest in the hands of their quarterback. Ryan Fitzpatrick played lights out in the first seven games of 2011, but really hit a rough spot after that. It won't matter if Mario Williams gets 20 sacks; Fitzpatrick's ability to play consistently over a 16-game season will determine the outcome of Buffalo's season.

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@ErikFrenz What do the Jets need to do to have a better pass rush in 2012?

— Andrea Hangst (@FBALL_Andrea) March 16, 2012"

Good one to wrap it up, Andrea. Thanks.

What the Jets really need is to find solid pass-rushers that can get after the quarterback without the help of a blitz. The Jets were fortunate to have Darrelle Revis to help compensate for what their defense lacked in pass rush, holding opposing quarterbacks to just 15 passing touchdowns as a team and a 69.6 passer rating, despite generating just 35 sacks.

It looks like the Jets really don't have much of a choice but to improve through the draft. They're very tight against the cap and have already restructured several deals just to make room enough to save Sione Pouha from finding greener pastures after Gang Green.

There are a good amount of pass rushing prospects that would be a good fit and present solid value right around where the Jets are picking in the draft. Courtney Upshaw has been a popular name as a fit in a 3-4 defense. 

Alright, guys. That's all I have for you this week. Thanks for the questions, and as always, feel free to get at me anytime on Twitter at the link below.

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