Grading The Steelers Rivals: 2023 AFC North Free Agent Signings

The Pittsburgh Steelers play in arguably the most daunting division in football in the AFC North. As with every team in the NFL, the goal of the offseason is to improve your roster so that you can be as competitive as possible for the following season. So far, all four AFC North teams have been relatively active since the NFL's Legal Tampering Period opened up on Monday, March 13th. Below you will find an in-depth look at each team's free agent signings so far, as well as an analysis on the moves. First up, the 2022 AFC North Champions, Cincinnati Bengals. 

Cincinnati Bengals Free Agent Overview So Far

Leaving

FS: Jessie Bates III - 4-year, $64 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons 

SS: Vonn Bell - 3-year, $22.5 million contract with the Carolina Panthers

RB: Samaje Perine - 2-year, $7.5 million contract with the Denver Broncos

Staying

LB: Germaine Pratt - 3-year, $20.25 million contract to remain with the Bengals  

SS: Michael Thomas - 1-year contract to remain with the Bengals

Analysis Of The Bengals Free Agency Moves

So far, not too great of a start for the Bengals. Any time you lose your two starting safeties to another team, it's never a good thing. However, it's still early in free agency for a team that have been to the AFC Championship and Super Bowl, respectively, over the past two seasons. Bringing Germaine Pratt back in to the fold was certainly a solid move. Pratt totaled nearly 100 tackles for the Bengals last year and started 15 out of 17 games. The team may also be looking to reload in their safety depth by adding a veteran free agency. ESPN Bengals' reporter, Ben Baby, tweeted out a quote from Cincinnati defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo, regarding their options as safety:

Grade: C

Overall, the first two days of free agency have not been particularly kind to the reigning AFC North Champs. Fortunately for them, they still have plenty of time to add quality players to their already talented roster. If the Bengals are able to add a starting caliber safety over the next few days, their grade would rise significantly. For now, they will receive a grade of a "C." 

Baltimore Ravens Free Agent Overview So Far

QB: Lamar Jackson - Non-Exclusive Franchise Tag (Has yet to sign)

Leaving

G: Ben Powers - 4-year, $51.5 million contract with the Denver Broncos

TE: Josh Oliver - 3-year, $21 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings

Staying

CB: Trayvon Mullen - 1-year, unreported amount to remain with the Ravens 

Analysis Of The Ravens Free Agency Moves

The Baltimore Ravens have not yet had any major signings this offseason. Most notably, their quarterback, Lamar Jackson. Jackson received the Non-Exclusive Franchise Tag on March 7th, but has yet to sign it. He has the ability to negotiate (Jackson does not currently have an agent) with other NFL teams, but has reportedly had little to no interest from other teams. If a team does make a contract offer for Lamar, the Ravens still have the ability to match the offer. If the Ravens do not match the offer, the team who signs Jackson would send two first-round draft picks to the Ravens. Recently, Jackson recently posted a tweet claiming he was offered a 3-year, $133 fully guaranteed contract from the Ravens:

Separately from Lamar, the loss of Ben Powers is a huge blow to the offensive line of the Ravens. Powers was widely viewed as one of the best guards available in free agency. He cashed in big with the Broncos and will be desperately missed by Baltimore. They will need to address their options at guard via free agency or by the 2023 NFL Draft. 

Grade: B-

Will Lamar be the Ravens starting QB in 2023? Tough to say. However, with each day that passes, it seems more and more likely that Jackson will be back with Baltimore next season. If he does end up signing the Non-Exclusive Tag, he will a guaranteed $32.4 million for the 2023 season. One thing is for sure, the Ravens will be extremely limited in signing free agents as long as their uncertainty at QB continues. While the Ravens have been criticized for their decision to Franchise Tag Lamar, it may end up working well for them. If he does not end up receiving any interest from another team, he may end up deciding to sign the Tag. 

On the other hand, if he does end up receiving an offer from another team and the Ravens choose not to match, the Ravens will receive two first-round picks. For this reason, Baltimore receives a grade of "B-" for their handling of the Lamar Jackson situation as well as other moves so far. 

Cleveland Browns Free Agent Overview So Far

New Players 

DT: Dalvin Tomlinson - 4-year, $57 million contract 

OLB: Ogbonnia Okoronkwo - 3-year, $19 million contract 

Leaving 

OLB: Chase Winovich - 1 year, $2 million contract with the Houston Texans 

Staying

C: Ethan Pocic - 3-year, $18 million contract 

LB: Sione Takitaki - 1 year, $2.43 million contract

CB: A.J. Green - 1-year, unreported amount contract 

Analysis Of The Browns Free Agency Moves

Per usual, the Cleveland Browns have been especially active over the past few days of free agency. A major reason as to why they have money to spend this offseason has to do with the contract restructure of their QB, Deshaun Watson. Perhaps their biggest moves thus far has been adding DT, Dalvin Tomlinson, and OLB, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, to an already talented defense. Re-signing their center, Ethan Pocic, was also an important move. Pocic was solid for the Browns last year, starting 13 games after Nick Harris suffered a season ending injury. 

Grade: B+

While the Browns have not made any spectacular moves this offseason, they have quietly re-signed players who performed well for them during the 2022 season and added arguably one of the top five free agent defensive tackles in Dalvin Tomlinson. The team is looking to bounce back from a rough season for them last year where they finished the season at 7-10 and failed to make the playoffs. If they continue to add quality veterans and promising rookies to their roster, they will at least make themselves competitive in the AFC North next year. They will receive a "B+" for their moves thus far. 

Steelers Free Agency Moves 

So far, so good for the Steelers. Losing Cam Sutton and Robert Spillane was certainly tough, but adding Patrick Peterson and Cole Holcomb will replace their productivity levels just fine. Additionally, re-signing Damontae Kazee and Larry Ogunjobi were absolutely crucial. Both of these players were great for the team last year and will be an even bigger role in 2023. Lastly, the addition of "Nasty" Nate Herbig helps to solidify the Steelers' depth at interior offensive line. 

The Steelers are most likely not done in adding free agents. 

How do you feel about the Steelers' chances of capturing the AFC North crown in 2023, Steeler Nation? Is there a particular move made by a fellow AFC North team that you especially liked? Let us know in the comments what you think! 

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