AFC North Free Agency Grades
With most of the big names off the market, free agency is fading as the Draft draws nearer. We’ve already covered each team’s five biggest free agency moves, but now it’s time to grade their efforts. Who filled their needs? Who got the best value and who overpaid? Here are the free agency grades for the AFC North:
The AFC North is usually one of the hardest divisions to figure out. Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Cincinnati are all perennial contenders to win the division. Cleveland has struggled for many years but can sometimes spring surprises. After the free agent frenzy, the Bengals seem to have taken a step back while the Ravens and Browns have improved. But can anyone catch the Steelers?
Baltimore Ravens — B
Key additions: S Tony Jefferson, CB Brandon Carr, RB Danny Woodhead
Key departures: RT Ricky Wagner, C Jeremy Zuttah, DT Timmy Jernigan
The Ravens found a partner for Eric Weddle by signing former Cardinals strong safety Tony Jefferson, and also strengthened their secondary by getting cornerback Brandon Carr to pair with Jimmy Smith as well as re-signing Lardarius Webb. Danny Woodhead gives quarterback Joe Flacco a third down safety valve. However, the offensive line could be an issue with right tackle Ricky Wagner leaving for Detroit and veteran center Jeremy Zuttah traded to the 49ers. Although Baltimore re-signed defensive tackle Brandon Williams, fellow starting DT Timmy Jernigan is also gone.
Cincinnati Bengals — F
Key additions: LB Kevin Minter, OT Andre Smith, CB Bene Benwikere
Key departures: LT Andrew Whitworth, G Kevin Zeitler, RB Rex Burkhead
For the second offseason in a row Cincinnati experienced a major talent drain. The offensive line struggled to protect quarterback Andy Dalton last season, so the Bengals decided to improve the unit by letting their two best linemen walk and replace them with returnee Andre Smith, who couldn’t even stick on an injury-ravaged Vikings unit. Kevin Minter isn’t the blue chip player they need to re-energise the defense. Were cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick and receiver Brandon LaFell more important to retain than Andrew Whitworth and Kevin Zeitler? No.
Cleveland Browns — A
Key additions: G Kevin Zeitler, C J.C. Tretter, WR Kenny Britt
Key departures: WR Terrelle Pryor, DE Stephen Paea, S Jordan Poyer
The Browns made some big moves this offseason, and rebuilt their offensive line into one of the top units in the AFC by adding Kevin Zeitler and J.C. Tretter and extending guard Joel Bitonio. Trading for Brock Osweiler gives the Browns another top draft pick next season, and a quarterback who could potentially play well in Hue Jackson’s scheme. However, replacing Terrelle Pryor with Kenny Britt is a downgrade. But apart from Pryor, Cleveland did not lose any key irreplaceable players. A good Draft could make the Browns a surprise this season.
Pittsburgh Steelers — D
Key additions: WR Justin Hunter, DL Tyson Alualu
Key departures: LB Lawrence Timmons, WR Markus Wheaton, OLB Jarvis Jones
The Steelers are usually pretty quiet in free agency. But with Ben Roethlisberger contemplating retirement before opting to return, the Steelers needed to be as aggressive as possible to load up for another run with Big Ben. Although extending Antonio Brown and franchising Le’Veon Bell were obvious necessities, Pittsburgh didn’t make any additions to fill their needs. They didn’t find a cornerback and let linebacker Lawrence Timmons walk. Their defense has not improved and the offense has stood pat. It looks like the Steelers will aim to improve through the Draft.
