Patriots just learned how close they came to an AFC East free agency nightmare

"Mike Evans said he was looking to join a contender with a good quarterback. The 49ers checked both boxes. 'So I was looking at here, Buffalo Bills, teams that needed a No. 1 wide receiver,' Evans said. 'I liked this place. This was my No. 1 spot on my own (research).'"

The New England Patriots won the AFC East this offseason for the first time since 2019 and are working to maintain their division dominance. The Buffalo Bills, who won the division for five consecutive years before 2025, are actively strengthening their roster through trades and free agency signings, including acquiring wide receiver D.J. Moore and edge defender Bradley Chubb. The Bills came close to signing veteran wide receiver Mike Evans, which would have significantly bolstered their offense alongside Moore. Evans prioritized joining a contender with a strong quarterback and a team needing a No. 1 receiver. He considered both San Francisco and Buffalo but ultimately chose the 49ers as his preferred destination, sparing the Patriots from facing an even more formidable Bills offense.

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