2010 Offseason Breakdown: AFC North Needs
Throughout the month of February, Bump and Run will break down the needs of each NFL team as free agency and the draft approaches. Today it’s all about the AFC North:
Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens continue to progress on the offensive side of the ball with Flacco and Rice leading the way. Their defense took a step back this year due to Ed Reed being injured and not enough depth in the secondary. They have already signed Donte Stallworth to bolster their WR corps.
Key Unrestricted Free Agents: Derrick Mason, WR.
Key Restricted Free Agents: Mark Clayton, WR; Jared Gaither, OT; Dawan Landry, S; Le’Ron McClain, FB.
Needs: CB, S, OL, WR
Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals were able to claim the division crown this season but were fading fast down the stretch, which resulted in a playoff loss to the Jets. The most important move for them could have already occurred as they were able to keep defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.
Key Unrestricted Free Agents: Shayne Graham, K; Larry Johnson, RB; Roy Williams, S.
Needs: OL, WR, LB, TE
Cleveland Browns: Well if you’re a Browns fan, you must have been excited to see Mike Holmgren hired to be your GM, considering he has such a great track record for evaluating talent. At least that’s what I’d try to tell myself if I were a fan to attempt to justify a stupid hire. The guy can coach, but talent evaluator? Come on!!! At least your city has Lebron James – oh wait every major NBA market just freed up enough salary cap money to sign him. I guess things aren’t looking up in Cleveland.
Key Unrestricted Free Agents: Rex Hadnot, OG.
Key Restricted Free Agents: Jerome Harrison, RB; Matt Roth, LB.
Needs: Everything except Left Tackle and Kicker.
Pittsburgh Steelers: From Super Bowl champs to missing the playoffs. The Steelers became a pass heavy offense and a defense that couldn’t stop anybody. In the offseason of no salary cap, the Steelers have already come out and said they have their own cap for spending purposes, which is definitely the smart move.
Key Unrestricted Free Agents: Charlie Batch, QB; Tyrone Carter, SS; Ryan Clark, FS; Casey Hampton, DL; Willie Parker, RB; Jeff Reed, K.
Key Restricted Free Agents: Willie Colon, OT; William Gay, CB; Daniel Sepulveda, P.
Needs: CB, LB, OL, S, DE
