AFC East training camp watch: Biggest surprise, hottest seat, more

With training camps underway, it's time to preview the biggest storylines throughout the NFL. Here's what to watch for in the AFC East:

THE BIGGEST SURPRISE WILL BE ... | Trent Sherfield, WR, Buffalo Bills: There wasn't much excitement surrounding the one-year pact Buffalo made with Sherfield in March. However, after Stefon Diggs' absence for OTAs, the former Dolphin made quite an impression on quarterback Josh Allen while filling in for the All-Pro wideout. 

“I’ve loved what I’ve seen from Trent so far,” Allen told ESPN. “The dude works extremely hard. He’s one of the hardest-working guys on the team. Doesn’t complain about anything. He’s rolling right now.”

Last season, Sherfield carved out a prominent role in Miami's high-powered offense, finishing third on the team in receiving yards (417) and catching two TD passes. Although Sherfield isn't guaranteed to start, Buffalo needs more receivers to make an impact aside from Diggs and Gabe Davis. If Sherfield can build upon his growing rapport with Allen, he could be a key contributor come playoff time.

HOTTEST SEAT | Mac Jones, QB, New England Patriots: Jones followed up his Pro Bowl-caliber rookie season (3,801 yards, 25 touchdown passes) by throwing for 2,997 yards, 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions last season. Although some of his difficulties were due to Matt Patricia's lousy play-calling, Jones didn't do himself any favors with his performance or negative attitude. Consequently, he landed on the trade block, per Pro Football Talk and other outlets.  

The third-year QB might be penciled in atop the depth chart, but safety Adrian Phillips' recent comments hinted that Jones may not be a lock to earn the starting job. If Jones truly is battling with 2022 fourth-rounder Bailey Zappe, he won't have much room for error. Zappe showed flashes in two games as the starter last season (497 yards, three touchdowns and one interception).

MOST SURPRISING CUT | Cedrick Wilson Jr., WR, Miami Dolphins: Miami thought it landed a quality No. 3 receiver when it signed the ex-Cowboy Wilson to a three-year, $22.8 million contract last offseason. Instead, former undrafted free agent Sherfield assumed his responsibilities. Wilson, meanwhile, had 12 catches for 136 yards, which ranked sixth on the Dolphins in receiving.

According to the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson, the Dolphins are open to trading Wilson, as it would be a better financial decision than outright releasing him. Even so, Jackson's report was published last month and Wilson remains on the roster. Unless another team's receiving corps deals with a serious injury during camp, they probably won't be interested in taking on Wilson's $8 million cap hit. 

THE BIGGEST QUESTION | Will Aaron Rodgers bounce back with the New York Jets?: New York abruptly ended the disastrous Zach Wilson experiment this offseason by trading for the future Hall of Fame quarterback in one of the biggest acquisitions in franchise history. While there's no denying that the move upgrades the team, it's impossible to ignore that Rodgers' performance declined last season. 

The 39-year-old threw 12 interceptions in 2022, the second-most picks in any season of his career. Additionally, Rodgers posted his lowest passer rating (91.1) and QBR (39.3) in his 15 seasons as a full-time starter. The change of scenery and motivational boost of joining a potential playoff team could be the spark Rodgers needs to rebound from last season's struggles, but it's no guarantee. 

BIGGEST HEADLINE COMING OUT OF CAMP | Whatever “Hard Knocks” is able to air: Despite the Jets' reluctance, they're forced to be the featured team on this season of “Hard Knocks." New York's stubbornness towards appearing on the show, coupled with the announcement that it won't highlight players being cut, is already making headlines, so practically anything that airs will be newsworthy.

With limited access, it'll be interesting to see what direction HBO goes, though there are several intriguing storylines that can be explored. Whether it's Rodgers' acclimation to the New York media, his relationship with Wilson, Mekhi Becton's make-or-break training camp or the development of the Jets' young stars, it's still a must-see.