What NFL Teams Need/Want In The Offseason: AFC North
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Ravens
They have cap space – approximately $12 million – but aren't flush with it. And there are free agency issues because defensive lineman Justin Madubuike, running backs Gus Edwards and J.K Dobbins, linebacker Patrick Queen, receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney are all free agents. GM Eric DeCosta did excellent work signing Lamar Jackson and finding bargain free agents last year. This year's assignment might be more difficult because there's simply more good players threatening to leave instead of just one that's already franchise tagged.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 31: Tyler Boyd #83 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs a route during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images)
Browns
The Browns got 5.5 sacks from Za'Darius Smith in 2023, which is nice but not good enough. The club wants another pass-rush threat to team with Myles Garrett and that's just part of the work in the front seven the club must do. Cleveland must address the running back spot because Nick Chubb may not be ready for the start of the season. And there's a small chance a mid-level receiver like Tyler Boyd becomes a possible addition. The problem here is the Browns have gotten precious little return on their Deshaun Watson trade but are still feeling the brunt of the move – not having a first-round pick for the third consecutive year. It's Watson time, folks. He must stay healthy and produce.
Steelers
They're about to have a quarterback competition that will definitely include presumptive starter Kenny Pickett and may or may not include … Justin Fields (if they trade for him), Ryan Tannehill (if they sign him as a free agent), or Mason Rudolph (if they re-sign him). The Fields thing is hard to fathom but until someone in the organization says, "No," we cannot dismiss it. Pittsburgh has approximately $12 million in cap space so don't expect crazy stuff in free agency. The draft – that includes multiple fourth-rounders – is the thing for this club.
Bengals
It's all about the receivers because quarterback Joe Burrow, once healthy, needs weapons. Tyler Boyd is probably gone. Tee Higgins has been told the franchise tag will be used to hold him in place. And Ja'Marr Chase, who is in line for an eye-poppng extension, is obviously a priority. Right tackle Jonah Williams is likely gone and that's probably fine because the draft is deep at the position and Cincy might actually upgrade there. Upgrading from D.J. Reader would be more difficult if he leaves in free agency. He was the team's most consistent defensive player, per defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. When he was injured, he left a void that wasn't fully filled. The Bengals aren't without opportunities. They have ample cap space ($74 million) and six draft picks through five rounds (two picks in the fifth). But, ultimately, this team's upgrade is about keeping the quarterback healthy and finding a suitable backup in case he isn't (again).
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