The AFC North figures to be one of the more competitive divisions in all of football in 2016. The Steelers and Bengals were playoff teams a year ago and the Ravens and Browns figure to improve as well. Let’s take a look at some moves that figure to keep this division ultra competitive.
- Bengals, 2015 record (12-4)
Key Free Agents: Leon Hall, Adam Jones, Reggie Nelson, Andre Smith, George Iloka, Marvin Jones, Mohamed Sanu
While the Bengals do have a large number of impending free agents they will have about 38 million in salary cap space to work with. Making some roster cuts could give Cincy even more space. The first priority should be bringing back Reggie Nelson as he has proven to be one of the best free safety’s in the league. With the Bengals having so many free agents it may be wise to let most of them go as it would allow them to recoup as many as four compensation picks the following season. Cincinnati has done an excellent job in recent years drafting as I expect those departures to be filled in that fashion.
- Steelers, 2015 record (10-6)
Key Free Agents: William Gay, Darius Heyward-Bey, Steve McClendon, Brandon Boykin, Kelvin Beachum
The problem Pittsburgh faces is that they have very limited cap space. The Steelers will have about 15 million in cap space once the Heath Miller retirement is finalized. The biggest problems with the Steelers have is offensive line play. The problems protecting Ben Roethlisberger have been well known. With limited cap space those problems will have to be addressed through the draft. To gain more cap space Pitt will likely have to renegotiate linebacker Lawrence Timmons contract. After restructuring his deal so many years in a row it seems unlikely any agreement takes place. Trying to extend runningback Le’Veon Bell’s contract seems to be in the teams best interest.
- Ravens, 2015 record (5-11)
Key Free Agents: Kelechi Osemele, Justin Tucker, Courtney Upshaw
Tucker likely gets franchise that leaves the team with virtually no cap space. Osemele likely can’t be retained because his price tag will be rather high considering he is one of the league’s best guards. Upshaw could be on his way back to Baltimore because he is frankly more valuable to the team than he would be elsewhere. Upshaw is known more as a run stuffer as his low sack totals should keep him in purple. If this team has any chance of improving the team must find a way to restructure Joe Flacco’s deal. Flacco’s 28.55 million dollar cap number has to be reduced if this team has any chance of returning to postseason play. This could be one of Ozzie Newsome’s worst teams in franchise history. The Ravens have needs at runningback, wide receiver, and defensive back. Raven fans everywhere are praying for the retirement of Dennis Pitts that would alleviate an additional 7.2 million in cap space.
- Browns, 2015 record (3-13)
Key Free Agents: Alex Mack, Craig Roberson, Tashaun Gibson, Travis Benjamin
Lets face it this team is a mess. The good news for Browns fans is they should have their pick of the litter in terms of drafting a quarterback. I prefer one a lot more than the other in terms of top rated guys but we will get to that closer to draft day. The Browns should have plenty of cap space at around 44 million. The problem is convincing players to come to Cleveland. All of the important impending free agents should be kept except for Alex Mack who holds a player option that is likely to be declined.
*All cap numbers courtesy of Overthecap.com
