2023 NFL Free Agency Preview: AFC North -

The AFC North aligns perfectly with the weather in that direction. You never know what will happen from moment to moment, like free agency.

Once upon a time, Forrest Gump sat on a park bench, waiting for his bus. You could discuss every AFC North team, the way he described chocolates. Inside the NFL’s most confusing division, teams continue to defy expectations and play down to their competition on a weekly basis. At the same time, this division possesses the parity the league pines for. As a result, no clear favorite truly exists and teams will not run away and hide from their rivals.

Pittsburgh (Taven Bryan, DT)

Due to impending free agency, the Steelers will probably lose two or three defensive linemen. Now, none of them looks replaceable. Cameron Heyward needs help. He cannot be the only interior presence to keep their edge rushers clean. 2022 was the first year that Bryan started more than eight games. Consequently, he enjoyed a career-high in sacks. Within the construct of the Steelers’ defense, Bryan doesn’t need to generate statistics. All he needs to do is disrupt, allowing the four linebackers behind him to clean up and make the play. With that said, Bryan’s disruption won’t just be a body getting in the way. Every team in the AFC North uses a strong ground game. Under those circumstances, the Steelers need to address a weakness.

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Cleveland (Clelin Ferrell, DE)

Myles Garrett stands alone. Bringing in Jadeveon Clowney created more issues than it solved. Along with just two sacks, Clowney did not get along with the team. In contrast, Cleveland, by virtue of limited cap space but a strong need, could sign Ferrell. In his defense, Ferrell, by virtue of his high draft spot was expected to be a savior with the Raiders. With those lofty expectations, Ferrell looked doomed to fail. However, his skillset presents an affordable option in Cleveland. First, he stops the run by setting a decent edge. Next, he flashes rush ability when kicked inside. Lastly, the enormous chip on his shoulder after earning the ire of fans and media. The AFC North boasts many Batmen, but so few Robins.

Baltimore (Darius Slayton, WR)

If you listen closely, you can hear the hordes of Raven fans lined up outside of my house, screaming for Odell Beckham. Granted, Beckham is an elite wideout. However, with the money given to Roquan Smith and potentially large checks written to Lamar Jackson, Baltimore must be creative. Is Slayton a number-one receiver? No. Will he command a double team? Not really. Yet, what we will do is produce fifteen yards a catch and force defenses away from loading the box. No one said the Ravens wouldn’t draft a top receiver. They need more than one player on the outside. AFC North defenses demand balance.

Cincinnati (Kaleb McGary, RT)

Plain and simple, Joe Burrow endures too many hits. The Bengals’ first franchise player in a decade, teams continually tee off on the quarterback. If Cincinnati has any aspirations of building a dynasty, protection becomes paramount. While the team upgraded along the line, the addition of a competent right tackle will alleviate fears in the fan base. Kaleb McGary, a former Falcons’ first-rounder, easily slides into the role. McGary rarely looks overwhelmed or routinely beaten by ends. On paper, the Bengals appear like the best team in the AFC North. Whether they can provide protection for Burrow remains to be seen.