Ravens: C-
Key Additions: Edge Trey Hendrickson, G John Simpson, CB Chidobe Awuzie (re-signed), S Jaylinn Hawkins
Key Losses: C Tyler Linderbaum, TE Isaiah Likely, Edge Dre’Mont Jones, TE Charlie Kolar, WR DeAndre Hopkins, LB Kyle Van Noy, Edge David Ojabo, FB Patrick Ricard
While the Ravens tried to add DE Maxx Crosby, a lot of key free agents went out the backdoor. The team was able to rebound with Hendrickson who should be ready for another productive season. Simpson is a former Raven who fits a need along the O-line. Awuzie fits the new system as a lanky CB and Hawkins could be a sneaky playmaker coming off a good season.
Bengals: B-
Key Additions: Edge Boye Mafe, S Bryan Cook, DT Jonathan Allen, G Dalton Risner (re-signed), QB Joe Flacco (re-signed)
Key Losses: Edge Trey Hendrickson, TE Noah Fant, DE Joseph Ossai, S Geno Stone, QB Jake Browning
The Bengals added Mafe coming off a Super Bowl win who will need to get to the QB more with the contract given to replace Ossai who was a good young player. Cook is considered an upgrade at Safety over Stone and a young upcoming versatile player. The late addition of Allen was a solid move as a veteran pass rushing DT who can hold up against the run. Risner has always been a starting level Guard. The team will miss Hendrickson despite coming off a down season.
Steelers: B+
Key Additions: RB Rico Dowdle, WR Michael Pittman (trade), S Jaquan Brisker, S Darnell Savage, CB Jamel Dean, DE Cameron Heyward (re-signed), CB Asante Samuel Jr. (re-signed)
Key Losses: TE Jonnnu Smith, WR Calvin Austin Jr., RB Kenneth Gainwell, S Kyle Dugger, CB James Pierre, S Jabrill Peppers, G Isaac Seumalo
Keeping Heyward allows the longtime Steeler to end his career there with the pay bump he wanted. The team added Dowdle to replace the high production of Gainwell, but Dowdle is coming off a productive season too and he is a strong runner. The Steelers have long needed a #2 WR and Pittman is a big upgrade as a 1B across from D.K. Metcalf. Dean is a productive CB who should be a solid #2 across from Joey Porter Jr. Savage and Brisker gives the team options at both Safety spots with Savage a coverage player and Brisker an enforcer/box safety. The team will need to replace Seumalo who was a veteran presence at Guard who played very well after leaving the Eagles. Of course, the Steelers are still waiting on a decision from QB Aaron Rodgers, but the new WR might help.
Browns: B
Key Additions: T Tytus Howard (trade) G Zion Johnson, C Elgton Jenkins, DE A.J. Epenesa, LB Quincy Williams, G Teven Jenkins (re-signed)
Key Losses: TE David Njoku, LB Devin Bush, G Wyatt Teller, G Joel Bitonio, DT Shelby Harris
With the starting O-line hitting free agency, the team went into action: adding Howard who can play multiple positions, adding Johnson coming off a good season at a slight overpay, Elgton Jenkins fell in their lap as a cap casualty from the Packers to start Center, and Teven Jenkins was re-signed with Tackle versatility also. Epenesa is a solid DE/DT who can stop the run and add rush. Williams is an active physical LB who will replace Bush. Longtime athletic TE Njoku still sits on the market, but it doesn’t seem he will be back despite wanting to.
