Monday 9 March 2015 08:01, UK
As NFL free agency approaches on March 10, Sky Sports takes a look at what needs each franchise will be looking to address in the off-season.
We last looked at the AFC East. Now it is the turn of the AFC North.
Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)
The Steelers won their first division crown since 2010 last season before the Baltimore Ravens rolled into Pittsburgh and dumped them out of the play-offs by winning 30-17 in the Wild Card round.
Key Free Agents: Jason Worilds (OLB), Ike Taylor (CB), James Harrison (OLB), Brice McCain (CB)
Team Needs:
1. Cornerback – The Steelers secondary was consistently torched last season as the team finished 27th against the pass. Ike Taylor and Brice McCain are free agents so the team is badly in need of finding a No 1 corner.
2. Outside linebacker – Jason Worilds tied for the team lead in sacks with 7.5 and will be a priority for the team to re-sign. James Harrison is a 36-year-old free agent. The only other player with NFL experience at the position is 2013 first-round pick Jarvis Jones, who disappointingly registered just two sacks in 2014.
3. Safety – Steelers legend Troy Polamalu, 33, is reaching the tail-end of his storied career and Pittsburgh don't have much behind him at the position. Mike Mitchell disappointed after being signed as a free agent from the Carolina Panthers a year ago, while 2013 fourth-round draft pick Shamarko Thomas has failed to develop as hoped.
Cincinnati Bengals (10-5-1)
The Bengals finished second in the division before being eliminated from the playoffs at the first hurdle by Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts.
Key Free Agents: Clint Boling (OG), Rey Maualuga (ILB), Jermaine Gresham (TE), Terence Newman (CB)
Team Needs:
1. Defensive end – The Bengals let Michael Johnson walk in free agency last offseason and never replaced his production as they finished dead last in the NFL in sacks. Cincinnati needs to find a starter opposite Carlos Dunlap.
2. Quarterback – Andy Dalton is 0-4 in the play-offs while throwing for one touchdown and six interceptions. The Bengals signed the 27-year-old to a six-year, $115m contract extension in 2014 but the deal is structured in such a way that the team can get out of in two years if it so chooses. Drafting and developing a quarterback to at least provide competition should be a priority.
3. Defensive tackle – Cincinnati also struggled in the middle of their defensive line. Domata Peko struggled at nose tackle while Geno Atkins, who signed a mega $55m, five-year contract extension in 2013, regressed as he managed just 3 sacks – down from 12.5 sacks in 2012. The Bengals needs competition to push both.
Baltimore Ravens (10-6)
The Ravens looked on course for a surprise AFC Championship appearance after twice leading New England by 14 points in the AFC play-off divisional round but were ultimately undone by Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.
Key Free Agents: Torrey Smith (WR), Justin Forsett (RB), Pernell McPhee (OLB/DE), Justin Tucker (K)
Team Needs:
1. Wide receiver – Torrey Smith is a free agent while Steve Smith Sr will be 36 years old when the 2015 season begins. Finding a new target for Joe Flacco will be a priority for Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome in the offseason.
2. Cornerback – The Ravens struggled mightily when starter Jimmy Smith went down with injury last season, thrusting safety Matt Elam into a nickel-back role for which he was ill-suited. Baltimore needs to find more corner depth for next season.
3. Running back – Justin Forsett came out of nowhere last season to rank sixth in the NFL in rushing as he ran for 1,266 yards behind the Ravens’ stud offensive line. If the 29-year-old is not re-signed, the Ravens are likely to be in the market for a replacement as neither Lorenzo Taliaferro nor Bernard Pierce showed they could carry the load last season.
Cleveland Browns (7-9)
The Browns occupied an all-too familiar spot at the basement of the division as they were derailed by off-field sagas involving star wide receiver Josh Gordon and rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel.
Key Free Agents: Jordan Cameron (TE), Tashaun Gipson (S), Jabaal Sheard (DE/OLB), Brian Hoyer (QB)
Team Needs:
1. Wide receiver – Josh Gordon’s future in the NFL looks extremely murky at this point after he was suspended indefinitely for violating the NFL’s substance abuse programme yet again. Miles Austin is a free agent. That leaves Cleveland with Andrew Hawkins and Taylor Gabriel as its leading receivers. More help is needed.
2. Defensive tackle – The Browns allowed more rushing yards than any other team in the NFL in 2014 – 2.265 to be exact – along with 13 rushing touchdowns. Cleveland needs to fix their run defence. Ahtyba Rubin is a free agent and may not be re-signed given the team’s struggles last season, while former first-round pick Phil Taylor has been very disappointing.
3. Tight end – Jordan Cameron is a free agent and is likely to attract plenty of interest from other teams. Cameron has struggled with injuries but has been a quality player when healthy and he will need to be replaced if he leaves because the cupboard is bare behind at the tight end position.
As the clock ticks down towards March 10, Sky Sports will be publishing one divisional breakdown a day as we examine each team's offseason needs. Next up is the AFC West.
