AFC North Team Needs: Browns still seeking QB, Steelers must bolster secondary
theScore goes division by division to identify the biggest positional needs for all 32 NFL teams entering free agency.
NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
Cleveland Browns
Biggest need: Quarterback
Other needs: Wide receiver, edge-rusher, defensive lineman, linebacker
The Browns will come away from the draft with a quarterback, according to head coach Hue Jackson, but they'll likely still need to add at least one via free agency. If they decide to wait until the mid rounds to select a passer, they'll likely be in the running for one of the top available QBs on the open market.
Alex Mack and Tashaun Gipson are the two highest-profile Browns likely to leave when free agency opens on March 9. That will leave a big hole at center and in the secondary, but the Browns have more pressing needs already.
Drafting a center to develop immediately might make sense, while their might be enough already on the roster (Ibraheim Campbell) to weather the storm in the secondary. The Browns will desperately need a wide receiver, especially if Travis Benjamin finds another team.
Potential free-agent targets: Wide receiver Marvin Jones might be a good fit to come along with Hue Jackson, while Courtney Upshaw could work at linebacker when considering long-term value.
A high-upside option that could also act as a stopgap while the Browns develop a franchise quarterback would be Brock Osweiler. Ryan Fitzpatrick would be a cheaper alternative, but offers little beyond 2016.
Cincinnati Bengals
Biggest need: Safety
Other needs: Wide receiver, linebacker
After a vexing end to the season, the Bengals head into the offseason with uncertainty about their undisciplined defense. Unfortunately, two of their most reliable starter, safeties Reggie Nelson and George Iloka, will hit the open market.
The other defensive position that needs to be solidified is linebacker. Vincent Rey and Emmanuel Lamur are both free agents, and with Vontaze Burfict a complete wild card, the Bengals can really only rely on Rey Maualuga at this point. Depth at linebacker will have to be addressed in free agency.
Potential free-agent targets: The Bengals could look within the division to fill the gap at safety, with Tashaun Gipson offering as much upside as any free agent in 2016. If they can re-sign Iloka to stay on the strong side, Gipson makes even more sense. At wide receiver, a veteran possession pass-catcher like Anquan Boldin or Brian Quick makes the most sense for this established offense.
Eric Weddle would be a high-priced but valuable replacement for Nelson as well, but the Bengals might want to consider an option with a lower price tag, like the Rams' Rodney McLeod.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Biggest need: Cornerback
Other needs: Defensive tackle, safety, tight end
The Steelers' defense was picked apart last season, finishing 30th in passing defense. The absence of a No.1 corner hurt them severely, and they'll be in the market for at least one player that can come in and shut down opposing receivers.
Their secondary needs to be overhauled, and they could use more pressure up front to take some heat off their defensive backs, but with the retirement of stalwart tight end Heath Miller, the Steelers could also look to replace his veteran presence while rookie Jesse James develops.
Other than tight end, the offensive side of the ball should require little tinkering. If the secondary and pass rush can be upgraded, the Steelers will once again make a playoff run.
Potential free-agent targets: Veterans Antonio Cromartie, Leon Hall, and even Adam Jones would make the most sense for the win-now Steelers. A player like Cedric Thornton could help their pass rush as a relatively cost effective option.
The veteran tight end market is also rife with talent this year, as Zach Miller, Jermaine Gresham, and Vernon Davis could all be brought in on short-term deals.
Baltimore Ravens
Biggest need: Edge-rusher
Other needs: Linebacker, guard, cornerback, wide receiver
Everybody needs corners, and the Ravens are no exception, but the lack of a pass rush was a startling change in 2015 for a franchise that has coveted guys that can get after the quarterback since its inception. And Courtney Upshaw could be leaving via free agency.
With salary cap issues, the Ravens will need to be judicious with their spending in free agency and will have to hit on their low-price targets if they hope to return to their winning ways in 2016.
After edge-rusher, they need to upgrade their secondary, and could use a reliable option at wide receiver. Though veteran Steve Smith is returning and lost rookie Breshad Perriman is expected to be healthy, the Ravens have very few pass-catching options.
Potential free-agent targets: If the Packers let Mike Neal walk, he would be a good fit for the Ravens, along with teammate Nick Perry. Both make sense from a scheme perspective. If they're willing to convert a player with a reasonable price tag, Robert Ayers could be their man.
Bringing back Anquan Boldin could be a good fit for this offense, after the veteran spent three productive seasons in Baltimore before a trip out west. Giving Joe Flacco the deep threat he misses with Torrey Smith gone could be more likely, in which case inter-divisional options Travis Benjamin and Marvin Jones could be good fits.