Steelers – B+
Main Additions: WR D.K. Metcalf (trade), CB Darius Slay (cut), RB Kenneth Gainwell, TE Donald Parham Jr., LB Malik Harrison, QB Mason Rudolph, S Juan Thornhill (cut)
Main Re-signings: WR Scotty Miller
Main Losses: QB Justin Fields, RB Najee Harris, WR Mike Williams, T Dan Moore Jr., WR Van Jefferson, DT Larry Ogunjobi, G James Daniels, CB Donte Jackson, LB Elandon Roberts
The Steelers shocked everyone with the trade for Metcalf giving them a solid #1 WR to play across from Pickens. Slay was released by the Eagles to save cap, but he gives the Steelers a solid #2 across from Porter Jr. Gainwell helps replace Harris as the bruiser back. Parham is a 6’8 pass catching TE working his way up from the XFL a few years ago. Harrison will provide depth at MLB replacing Roberts. Rudolph is a QB they are familiar with coming back to be #2. Thornhill provides depth in the secondary. The losses of Moore and Daniels show the Steelers are going with their full young O-line which should be ready.
Ravens – C+
Main Additions: WR DeAndre Hopkins, QB Cooper Rush
Main Re-signings: LT Ronnie Stanley, FB Patrick Ricard, WR Tylan Wallace
Main Losses: DT Michael Pierce (retirement), CB Brandon Stephens, S Marcus Williams
The Ravens biggest move was keeping Stanley away from other contenders, most importantly the Chiefs, while keeping Lamar’s blindside safe. Hopkins was the main addition, but I’m not sure how much he has left in the tank. Rush gives them an experienced backup. The losses of Stephens and Williams will likely lead to them drafting secondary depth in the draft. The losses I didn’t list at Tackle will also lead to draft help there as well.
Bengals – B+
Main Additions: DT T.J. Slaton, LB Oren Burks, RB Samaje Perine
Main Re-signings: WR Tee Higgins, DT B.J. Hill, TE Mike Gesicki, TE Tanner Hudson, G Cody Ford, Edge Josph Ossai
Main Losses: Edge Sam Hubbard (retirement), LB Akeem Davis-Gaither, G Alex Cappa, DT Sheldon Rankins, RB Khalil Herbert
The Bengals biggest move was keeping the offensive core together with Chase, Higgins, and Gesicki to keep Burrow happy. Hill helps the run defense along with the signing of Slaton. Burks played well for the Eagles when they had injuries and will provide depth. Perine is a back they are familiar with and should be a change of pace back. Ossai is an improving pass rusher. Hudson proved that he can fill-in when needed as a pass catcher. The loss of Cappa may be addition by subtraction. Rankins is a solid DT, but more pass rusher than run stopper.
Browns – D
Main Additions: QB Kenny Pickett (trade), DT Maliek Collins, Edge Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
Main Re-signings: LB Devin Bush
Main Losses: DT Dalvin Tomlinson, QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson (trade), S Juan Thornhill
The Browns traded DTR for Kenny Pickett in a move that helps them now as DTR is more developmental while Pickett may get a chance to start. Collins is a solid DT that can provide pass rush. Tryon-Shoyinka will provide depth off the edge. Bush proved to be a solid tackler for the Browns. Tomlinson is a solid run stopper that they may miss. Thornhill didn’t have the impact expected coming from the Chiefs and was released.
