Today's question: Who is the best newcomer to the AFC East?
Mike Rodak, Buffalo Bills: It's a close race between Ndamukong Suh and LeSean McCoy, but Suh gets the nod. His $114 million deal is reflective of the value the Dolphins placed on one of the best players in the NFL and arguably the league's best interior defensive lineman. Suh will be a staple in this division for several years, but will McCoy? I would be surprised if he's not among the top five or 10 backs in the NFL over the next season or two. After that, it's anyone's guess, considering how quickly running backs can decline in their late 20s. McCoy's $40 million deal isn't small by any standard, but the difference between his deal and Suh's is reflective of how teams view the two players' long-term values.
James Walker, Miami Dolphins: There were a lot of good additions to the AFC East, but there was no bigger signing -- literally and figuratively -- than Suh. Dolphins vice president Mike Tannanbaum made a huge splash in his first offseason by landing Suh. Miami paid $114 million, a record for a defensive player, but Suh should prove to be worth the investment. The Dolphins' defense was 24th against the run last year and fell apart down the stretch. Suh helped make the Detroit Lions the NFL's No. 1 run defense and will be a game-changer for Miami in that regard. Suh also brings a mean streak to a Dolphins' defense that lacks an identity. I expect Miami's defense to be nastier and more physical with Suh.
Mike Reiss, New England Patriots: There's a reason Suh commanded a six-year, $114 million contract as a free agent, as he is the rare defensive lineman offenses have to account for on every snap. It will be interesting to watch Suh's leadership. When a player earns that type of contract, management is sending a message to the rest of the team about how that type of player reflects the front office's vision for what the team represents. Thus, when Suh wasn't present for some voluntary workouts, it caught my attention. Can the best newcomer also become the best leader?
Rich Cimini, New York Jets: Tough call here between Suh and McCoy, but I'll pick McCoy because of what he'll mean to the Bills' offense. In short, he means everything. Rex Ryan has made it abundantly clear he wants to pound the rock and, for a change, he has an offensive coordinator (Greg Roman) who will gladly oblige. I can see McCoy having a 300-carry, 1,400-yard season. The one concern is the Bills' shaky offensive line, but I still think they'll figure out a way to run it. Suh is a close second. He will have a profound impact on the Dolphins' run defense, which struggled last season, but their overall play on defense wasn't horrible. Ordinarily, I'd consider Darrelle Revis -- how could you not? -- but technically he's not a newcomer to the division. He goes from the Patriots to the Jets, a jump that will have major ramifications for both teams.