The AFC North has been known as a hard-hitting division, and most of the success starts in the off-season. An AFC North off-season is like no other and can be described as wild. The four teams in this division are very competitive and want success. However, the start of a successful season and potential division winner starts during the off-season. Therefore, we will discuss most of the news and rumors for each team that is currently happening.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are looking to find ways back to the super bowl and still be able to afford top players on the roster. Of those top players on the roster is wide receiver Tee Higgins. Rumors around Higgins are that he might be a trade candidate due to potential cap casualties. A massive deal for Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase is coming in the next few years. Therefore some tough decisions are coming on who stays and goes. To put more things into perspective, the Bengals will also look to upgrade the offensive line and secondary. Two key positions that are instrumental in winning a super bowl. As well star running back Joe Mixon finds himself in some off-the-field trouble. Some resolutions could be coming soon, but Mixon must stay clear for the Bengals to achieve their success.
Baltimore Ravens
Neither side has agreed on a contract extension in the contract stalemate of the century between the Ravens and Lamar Jackson. This past week the Ravens placed the non-exclusive tag on Jackson. The non-exclusive tag gives a player the right to negotiate with other teams. If Jackson were to sign the offer sheet from the other team, the Ravens would have the right to match that offer or receive two first-round picks from the team offering Jackson. Many teams believe that Baltimore will match any offer and do not want to do the heavy lifting for the Ravens. Jackson is looking for a contract that is fully guaranteed. Also, this off-season, Rashod Bateman called out general manager Eric Decosta about saying he needs better wide receivers. Batemon believes the organization needs to invest more in the players they already have. As well as put those players in better positions to succeed. Things in Baltimore look very shaky at the moment.
Pittsburgh Steelers
It has been a quiet off-season so far. The Steelers may be looking to add some key free agents to compete and help the development of Kenny Pickett. For a team in a soft rebuild, adding talent while continuing to compete is necessary. For that reason, more talent on the defense is in the cards. A potential reunion with Bud Dupree could happen this off-season. It would go a long way in bringing in a veteran player for a young team learning how to compete. Doing whatever to help with the progress of young quarterback Pickett is priority number one.
Cleveland Browns
Coming off combine week, Andrew Berry, the Browns’ general manager, was described as the most aggressive of fellow general managers and agents. It is noted that many veterans love the new makeup of the Browns. A lot of receivers want to play with quarterback Deshaun Watson. Even potential free-agent safety Jessie Bates said he would love to play with Watson. In addition, various top defensive players would love to play for new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Cleveland may be aggressive in free agency. However, to get the cap space restructuring Watson’s contract will be needed.
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