2021 NFL Offseason Outlook: AFC North

2020 Recap

The AFC North was one of the compelling divisions within the NFL final season as they had been the one group to have three totally different groups attain the playoffs. The Pittsburgh Steelers received the division within the common season with a 12-4 report (4-2 in division), however they had been embarrassed by the upstart Cleveland Browns within the first spherical of the playoffs. Cleveland went 11-5 through the common season in Kevin Stefanski’s first 12 months as head coach. The Baltimore Ravens received a playoff recreation towards the Titans, a workforce they’ve struggled to beat just lately, they usually completed the common season with an 11-5 report. The Bengals completed at 4-11-1 however did see some encouraging play from rookie quarterback Joe Burrow earlier than his devastating, season-ending damage. Three of 4 groups on this division will really feel that they need to be again within the postseason in 2021.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Present Cap Area: -$26.1 million (as of two/20)

Prime Free Brokers: EDGE Bud Dupree, OT Alejandro Villanueva, CB Mike Hilton, OG Matt Feiler, DT Tyson Alalu, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, RB James Conner, LB Avery Williamson, TE Vance McDonald, CB Cameron Sutton

Largest Staff Wants: OT, IOL, CB, RB, IDL, EDGE, LB, QB

2021 Draft Picks: #24 (R1), #55 (R2), #87 (R3), #118 (R4), #190 (R6), #208 (R7), #217 (R7)

Evaluation: The Steelers seemed like Super Bowl contenders early within the season as they racked up eleven straight wins to begin the 12 months. Nonetheless, issues swiftly fell aside from there as they misplaced 5 of their subsequent six video games, together with a surprising loss at residence to the Browns within the first spherical of the playoffs that was over by the tip of the primary quarter when Cleveland had a 28-0 lead. Ben Roethlisberger threw 4 interceptions in that recreation to cap off an underwhelming season. It’s unclear if Roethlisberger will probably be again with the workforce at 38 years outdated, and he carries a $41.25 million cap hit this season. The Steelers can save $19 million towards the cap in the event that they launch the veteran quarterback earlier than June 1. Pittsburgh will possible aggressively look to commerce Roethlisberger to clear cap room with a number of key free brokers to handle.

The Steelers’ most urgent want heading into this offseason is the offensive line. Alejandro Villanueva, their stalwart left sort out, is a high-priority participant to resign, and PFF projected his contract at $45 million over 3 years. Maurkice Pouncey retired final week after a disappointing remaining season, whereas Matt Feiler additionally turns into a free agent. David DeCastro is the one locked-in starter on the offensive line for the time being, and Pittsburgh utilizing their first-round choose on an offensive lineman wouldn’t be stunning. A disappointing season on the offensive line held again the Pittsburgh run recreation, and James Conner was not spectacular final 12 months. With out a lot cap flexibility, the Steelers can’t afford a high-priced alternative, however Conner could not return both. Pittsburgh will possible add a working again in some unspecified time in the future through the draft as Benny Snell Jr., Jaylen Samuels, and Anthony McFarland aren’t sufficient to hold the dashing offense. Younger huge receivers Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool return after very spectacular seasons, and Pittsburgh could not afford to deliver JuJu Smith-Schuster again.

Defensively, the Steelers do have some choices to make regardless of an epic season as among the best defenses in soccer. Tyson Alalu had an exceptional season on the inside of the defensive position and is a participant who Pittsburgh wouldn’t prefer to lose. Bud Dupree continues to be an attractive move rusher, however the Steelers generate loads of push upfront from T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, and Stephon Tuitt. Dupree possible received’t return to the workforce. Extra importantly than the entrance seven, the Steelers want to determine their cornerback group. The workforce was harm by inconsistent play within the secondary at instances, and two of their prime three corners, Mike Hilton and Cameron Sutton, are set to be free brokers. With extra cap area, the Steelers might look to herald Richard Sherman, Shaquil Griffin, or Xavier Rhodes in free company. Nonetheless, they may discover it tough to clear up sufficient room to resign their present starters. If Pittsburgh can discover a solution to offload Ben Roethlisberger this offseason, their fortunes change dramatically of their skill to enhance the roster. Nonetheless, a continued decline from Large Ben and a gradual departure of expertise might harm this workforce heading into 2021.

First-Spherical Choose Targets: CB Jaycee Horn, OT Teven Jenkins, CB Asante Samuel Jr., IOL Alijah Vera-Tucker, OT Dillon Radunz, IOL Wyatt Davis, OT Samuel Cosmi

Free Company Targets: CB Nickell Robey-Coleman, S Malik Hooker, CB Gareon Conley, C Alex Mack, CB Troy Hill, RB Mike Davis, RB Marlon Mack

Baltimore Ravens

Present Cap Area: $18.1 million (as of two/20)

Prime Free Brokers: EDGE Matt Judon, EDGE Yannick Ngakoue, WR Willie Snead, RB Mark Ingram, IDL Derek Wolfe, C Matt Skura, EDGE Tyus Bowser, EDGE Pernell McPhee, OG D.J. Fluker, CB Tramon Williams, RB Gus Edwards

Largest Staff Wants: EDGE, IOL, WR, TE, S, IDL, OT, RB

2021 Draft Picks: #27 (R1), #58 (R2), #121 (R4), #154 (R5), #184 (R6)

Evaluation: Lamar Jackson wants assist. The Ravens have relied on a heavy run recreation and robust protection on their solution to a few nice common seasons, however their difficulties in passing the ball have plagued Baltimore within the playoffs. Marquise Brown and Mark Andrews are very proficient gamers, however the workforce lacks a dominant X-receiver with a terrific catch radius. Fortunately for them, there are many these gamers accessible in free company. Allen Robinson, Chris Godwin, Kenny Golladay, and Will Fuller V would all present extremely high-value additions to the passing recreation and convey a distinct dimension of play to the sphere. The Ravens have loads of cap area at their disposal, and a 4-year $80 million supply for a prime huge receiver shouldn’t be out of the query. The run recreation will look totally different in 2021 as Mark Ingram and Gus Edwards could not come again as free brokers, and J.Ok. Dobbins is prone to dominate touches in his second skilled season. Including a prime expertise at receiver to this offense would give them among the best teams of ability gamers in soccer.

Baltimore’s offensive line may have some remodeling. Orlando Brown has requested a commerce after filling in at left sort out for the injured Ronnie Stanley final season. Brown would shift again to the precise facet this 12 months, however he has expressed a want to play on the left as an alternative. Along with what would possible be beneficiant draft compensation, Baltimore might save $15.25 million towards the cap this season by buying and selling Brown. The offensive line inside might use some juice, particularly with Matt Skura’s potential departure in free company. The possible beginning trio of Bradley Bozeman, Patrick Mekari, and Ben Powers on the within might use some enchancment. Because it stands, Ronnie Stanley is the workforce’s solely assured starter on the offensive line, and he’s nonetheless recovering from a ugly dislocated and fractured ankle that he suffered final season.

The Ravens’ protection offers loads of intrigues this coming offseason. After ending final season because the second-best protection when it comes to factors allowed, they face the potential departure of a lot of their entrance seven. Matt Judon, Yannick Ngakoue, Pernell McPhee, and Tyus Bowser are all key pass-rushers whose contracts expire this 12 months, and Derek Wolfe was an essential piece of the defensive position final season. If Baltimore opts to make the most of its cap area to signal a high-priced huge receiver, their move rush could wrestle consequently. Because it stands, it’s extremely unlikely that each one of those defensive items will return subsequent season, particularly with Judon reportedly in search of a $20 million per 12 months contract. Baltimore can clear $7.5 million in cap area by releasing defensive sort out Brandon Williams earlier than June 1. The Ravens’ secondary is about in stone, with Marcus Peters, Marlon Humphery, and Jimmy Smith offering arguably the most effective trio of cornerbacks in soccer. Nonetheless, the entrance seven is about to endure some critical upheaval.

First-Spherical Choose Targets: EDGE Gregory Rousseau, IOL Alijah Vera-Tucker, EDGE Aziz Ojulari, OT Samuel Cosmi, IOL Wyatt Davis

Free Company Targets: WR Allen Robinson, WR Will Fuller V, WR Kenny Golladay, WR Chris Godwin, OG Brandon Scherff, OG Joe Thuney

Cleveland Browns

Present Cap Area: $20.2 million (as of two/20)

Prime Free Brokers: EDGE Olivier Vernon, CB Kevin Johnson, CB Terrance Mitchell, S Karl Joseph, LB B.J. Goodson, S Andrew Sendejo, DT Larry Ogunjobi, WR Rashard Higgins

Largest Staff Wants: EDGE, CB, IDL, LB, S, WR

2021 Draft Picks: #26 (R1), #59 (R2), #89 (R3), #91 (R3), #100 (R4), #122 (R4), #152 (R5), #185 (R6), #219 (R7)

Evaluation: The Browns come into this offseason in an attention-grabbing place, like their division rival Ravens. Armed with loads of cap room and a number of other key gamers changing into free brokers, Cleveland has a ton of massive choices to make. The largest query mark for this workforce is within the secondary. Kevin Johnson and Terrance Mitchell performed a ton of snaps at cornerback for the workforce in 2020, various ranges of success and changing into free brokers. Grasping Williams has performed sparingly with arm and shoulder points ensuing from nerve injury, and he missed all of final season. His return to kind could be monumental, however it’s not a assure. Denzel Ward is an elite lockdown cornerback, however the Browns want to seek out some long-term starters to play alongside him.

The protection spot can be a query mark as Andrew Sendejo turns into a free agent. Grant Delpit missed everything of his rookie season with an Achilles damage, however he could also be in line to begin subsequent 12 months. Ronnie Harrison had a breakthrough third season, and he’ll possible get much more snaps this season. With Delpit, Harrison, and Karl Joseph, the Browns possible don’t must deliver again Sendejo. Cleveland can even should make some key choices in its entrance seven. Edge defender Olivier Vernon needs to be a high-priority resigning whereas Larry Ogunjobi and B.J. Goodson are larger query marks for the Browns transferring ahead. Ogunjobi is probably going replaceable as a gap-plugging defensive lineman, as is Goodson at linebacker, however neither participant is prone to garner a big-money contract in free company. Fortunately for the Browns, they’ve loads of avenues to creating extra cap area as they will save $6 million by slicing David Njoku and have a handful of different lower candidates who wouldn’t depart them with lifeless cash heading into 2021.

So far as the offense goes, every part appears to be like golden for Cleveland. All 5 starters return from what was one of many league’s finest offensive traces final season, as do Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt as one of the fearsome working again duos in soccer. Odell Beckham Jr. ought to return from damage to hitch Jarvis Landry and Austin Hooper because the workforce’s prime pass-catchers. Rashard Higgins needs to be resigned to a stable cope with his constant productiveness up to now in his profession. The Browns might stand so as to add one other dynamic pass-catcher, however this offense has no actual holes. Baker Mayfield also needs to be due for an extension shortly. This offense is in a strong place heading into 2021, and the Browns will probably be higher served, focusing their offseason efforts on a protection that may be very a lot in transition.

First-Spherical Choose Targets: LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, CB Jaycee Horn, LB Zaven Collins, EDGE Jaelan Phillips, LB Joseph Ossai, S Trevon Moehrig

Free Company Targets: WR Corey Davis, CB Ronald Darby, WR Marvin Jones Jr., EDGE Haason Reddick, CB Nickell Robey-Coleman

Cincinnati Bengals

Present Cap Area: $37.6 million (as of two/20)

Prime Free Brokers: CB William Jackson, CB Mackensie Alexander, LB Josh Bynes, EDGE Carl Lawson, WR A.J. Inexperienced, WR John Ross

Largest Staff Wants: OT, CB, IOL, IDL, EDGE, TE, S, WR

2021 Draft Picks: #5 (R1), #38 (R2), #70 (R3), #101 (R4), #132 (R5), #165 (R6), #195 (R7), #197 (R7)

Evaluation: The Bengals have the benefit of copious cap area to rebuild their roster this offseason, however in addition they have many urgent wants. Joe Burrow seemed good as a rookie final 12 months, however he wants extra assist in the offense transferring ahead. The workforce’s offensive line is a significant want this offseason regardless of no in-house free brokers. Third-year offensive sort out Jonah Williams is the one assured high-level starter up entrance subsequent 12 months, and he’s dealt along with his justifiable share of accidents to this point in his profession. Michael Jordan, Trey Hopkins, Quinton Spain, and Bobby Hart can all be improved upon at their respective positions. The Bengals may additionally look to herald one other pass-catcher with A.J. Inexperienced, John Ross, and Alex Erickson, all set to turn into free brokers. Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins are locked in because the Bengals’ long-term beginning receivers, however it couldn’t harm so as to add some extra juice to the pass-catching corps for Burrow. Joe Mixon and Giovani Bernard are locked up because the workforce’s prime working backs.

Cincinnati’s protection can be in want of a significant overhaul, however they arrive into this offseason with some main choices to be made. Cornerback William Jackson and edge defender Carl Lawson are among the many prime free brokers this offseason at their respective positions. Each will probably be precedence re-signings for the Bengals. Jackson has been inconsistent however has flashed sufficient high-level play to garner an enormous contract. Lawson has 6 sacks per 16 video games over his profession, regardless of beginning below a 3rd of his video games to this point in his profession. Cornerback Mackensie Alexander and linebacker Josh Bynes are additionally free brokers and had been key contributors final season. The Bengals nonetheless have Darius Phillips and Trae Waynes at cornerback, however they may possible deliver again both Jackson or Alexander, or each. Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell are locked in as one of the underrated security tandems in soccer, whereas D.J. Reader is a stud at defensive sort out. This workforce has some actual constructing blocks on protection, however it is going to be attention-grabbing to see the place they resolve to take a position their assets, particularly with potential trades accessible (Orlando Brown?).

The Bengals may have loads of robust choices accessible within the first spherical of the draft this 12 months. Elite huge receivers Devonta Smith and Ja’Marr Chase will possible nonetheless be accessible to supply one other dimension to the receiving recreation for Burrow. Kyle Pitts could be one other intriguing choice as a high-level pass-catcher. The entire offensive tackles accessible at #5 would possible attain as Penei Sewell will possible be off the board. Rashawn Slater and Christian Darrisaw could be probably the most attractive choices, however each are possible reaches at #5. The Bengals might look to handle cornerback at this spot, with Patrick Surtain or Caleb Farley offering an on the spot increase to the move protection. Relying on how the primary handful of picks find yourself, Cincinnati might even have the chance to commerce this choose to a workforce determined to maneuver up for a prime quarterback. The Bengals have loads of flexibility this offseason, particularly with their copious cap area.

First-Spherical Choose Targets: WR Ja’Marr Chase, WR Devonta Smith, CB Patrick Surtain, CB Caleb Farley, LB Micah Parsons, TE Kyle Pitts, OT Rashawn Slater, OT Christian Darrisaw

Free Company Targets: OT Taylor Moton, OT Daryl Williams, LB Lavonte David, WR Rashard Higgins, CB Ronald Darby