Back again with 2026 NFL offseason grades, this time evaluating the ultra-competitive AFC North. This division had an extensively active spring, with three new head coaches, big trades, and massive signings.
Here are my thoughts on each team as we inch closer to training camps.
Baltimore Ravens
Key Additions:
HC: Jesse Minter
G: Olaivavega Ioane (Round 1)
G: John Simpson (Free Agency)
WR: Ja’Kobi Lane (Round 3)
WR: Elijah Sarratt (Round 4)
EDGE: Trey Hendrickson (Free Agency)
EDGE: Zion Young (Round 2)
IDL: Calais Campbell (Free Agency)
Key Departures:
HC: John Harbaugh (Giants)
C: Tyler Linderbaum (Raiders)
TE: Isaiah Likely (Giants)
TE: Charlie Kolar (Chargers)
EDGE: Dre’Mont Jones (Patriots)
S: Alohi Gilman (Chiefs)
Starting with Baltimore, which generated plenty of controversy around NFL circles following the Maxx Crosby trade saga. The Ravens appeared set to acquire the superstar pass-rusher from the Raiders in exchange for two first-round picks before ultimately backing out of the deal. From the outside, it seemed Baltimore got cold feet because of concerns surrounding Crosby's injured knee, but the end result is what matters.
After moving on from Crosby, the Ravens pivoted to division rival Trey Hendrickson and landed one of the league's premier pass-rushers without surrendering multiple first-round selections. Optics aside, I like the process. Baltimore managed to keep its draft capital while still getting a player on Crosby's level. That's a major win.
The Ravens also brought in a pair of veteran free agents in John Simpson and Calais Campbell, two players who should strengthen the offensive and defensive lines, respectively. While those additions make sense, I simply cannot overlook the loss of Tyler Linderbaum. He was one of the NFL's best centers, and losing a player of that caliber for nothing is a significant blemish on Baltimore's offseason.
In the draft, the Ravens grabbed consensus top guard Olaivavega Ioane. He was viewed as one of the safest offensive line prospects in the class and should be able to contribute right away. Baltimore followed up with pass-rusher Zion Young, another strong pick that fills a need on the edge while landing a player capable of making an early impact.
The Ravens also doubled up at wide receiver with Ja'Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt. Both prospects had plenty of supporters throughout the draft process, and it would not be surprising if one develops into a productive contributor at the next level.
Overall, Baltimore put together a strong spring despite the Linderbaum departure. This team should once again find itself squarely in the AFC playoff picture next season.
Grade: B+
Cincinnati Bengals
Key Additions:
EDGE: Boye Mafe (Free Agency)
EDGE: Cashius Howell (Round 2)
IDL: Dexter Lawrence (Trade)
IDL: Jonathan Allen (Free Agency)
CB: Tacario Davis (Round 3)
S: Bryan Cook (Free Agency)
Key Departures:
EDGE: Trey Hendrickson (Ravens)
EDGE: Joseph Ossai (Jets)
CB: Cam Taylor-Britt (Colts)
S: Geno Stone (Bills)
Next up is Cincinnati, which, like Baltimore, made headlines with a blockbuster trade involving its first-round pick. I thought the Dexter Lawrence deal was an excellent move. Was the 10th overall pick a steep price to pay? Absolutely. But the Bengals desperately needed two things on defense: improved run stopping and a true difference-maker. Lawrence provides both.
From there, Cincinnati focused on replacing Trey Hendrickson, addressing the edge position through the signing of Boye Mafe and the drafting of Cashius Howell. Both players bring much-needed speed and athleticism to the pass rush. With Mafe, Lawrence, and Howell now in place, the Bengals should field a significantly improved defensive line. That is before even mentioning the signing of Jonathan Allen, who remains a useful veteran and former Pro Bowler.
Outside of the defensive line upgrades, Cincinnati was relatively quiet, with the exception of signing safety Bryan Cook away from Kansas City. Cook enjoyed a career season and was rewarded accordingly in free agency. More importantly, he should help stabilize the back end of a defense that has lacked consistency since Jessie Bates departed.
Cincinnati did an outstanding job improving one of the league's weakest defenses. This roster is built to compete immediately, and the improvements on that side of the ball should make a noticeable difference. My only criticism is the lack of depth additions, but that is a relatively minor concern given everything else the organization accomplished.
Grade: A-
Cleveland Browns
Key Additions:
HC: Todd Monken
T: Tytus Howard (Trade)
T: Spencer Fano (Round 1)
G: Zion Johnson (Free Agency)
C: Elgton Jenkins (Free Agency)
WR: KC Concepcion (Round 1)
WR: Denzel Boston (Round 2)
LB: Quincy Williams (Free Agency)
S: Emanuel McNeil-Warren (Round 2)
Key Departures:
G: Wyatt Teller (Texans)
G: Joel Bitonio (Free Agent)
T: Jack Conklin (Free Agent)
TE: David Njoku (Chargers)
Next up is Cleveland, which made rebuilding the offensive line its top priority. Between free agency and the draft, the Browns acquired what could be four new starters up front, highlighted by the Spencer Fano with the ninth overall pick.
Many evaluators viewed Fano as the top tackle in the class, and Cleveland clearly agreed by making him the first offensive lineman off the board. His versatility is one of his biggest strengths, as he can line up almost anywhere across the front and quickly help a unit that remains in transition.
The Browns also acquired Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins in free agency. Johnson is a serviceable player, though there is a reason the Chargers were willing to move on. Jenkins is a valuable veteran, even if injuries have limited his effectiveness at times in recent seasons. Even so, both additions should improve a group that struggled throughout much of last year.
After addressing the trenches, Cleveland turned its attention to the receiving corps by taking KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston. While they play the same position, their skill sets could not be more different. Concepcion wins with quickness, separation ability, and speed, while Boston thrives as a larger target who excels in contested-catch situations.
I loved both selections. The Browns exited 2025 needing help at wide receiver and came away with two prospects whose games complement one another nicely.
Although most of Cleveland's resources were spent on offense, the front office still found ways to improve the defense. Quincy Williams brings speed and intensity to the linebacker room, while second-round pick Emanuel McNeil-Warren was viewed by many evaluators as a first-round-caliber talent.
Cleveland upgraded nearly every major weakness on the roster. The offensive line is better, the receiving corps has more upside, and the team created a stronger support system for whichever quarterback ultimately takes over the offense.
Grade: A
Pittsburgh Steelers
Key Additions:
HC: Mike McCarthy
T: Max Iheanachor (Round 1)
WR: Michael Pittman Jr. (Trade)
WR: Germie Bernard (Round 2)
RB: Rico Dowdle (Free Agency)
QB: Drew Allar (Round 3)
IDL: Sebastian Joseph-Day (Free Agency)
S: Jaquan Brisker (Free Agency)
CB: Jamel Dean (Free Agency)
CB: Daylen Everette (Round 3)
Key Departures:
HC: Mike Tomlin
G: Isaac Seumalo (Cardinals)
WR: Calvin Austin (Giants)
RB: Kenneth Gainwell (Buccaneers)
TE: Jonnu Smith (Free Agent)
CB: James Pierre (Vikings)
Lastly, we have the Pittsburgh Steelers, who continue to reload rather than rebuild. That approach is at least somewhat questionable given the age of the roster and the franchise's lack of playoff success over the past decade. Regardless, the Steelers added several intriguing pieces this offseason that deserve recognition.
The draft began with the selection of Max Iheanachor, a high-upside tackle prospect with rare physical traits. I liked the pick. Former first-rounder Broderick Jones has been a disappointment, and prospects with Iheanachor's combination of size and athleticism are not easy to find.
Pittsburgh followed that move by drafting wide receiver Germie Bernard, another decision I was a fan of. Bernard can step in as the team's No. 3 receiver from day one and could eventually grow into a larger role if either Michael Pittman Jr. or D.K. Metcalf leaves. The Steelers also took a worthwhile swing on quarterback Drew Allar in the third round. At minimum, he represents an interesting developmental option at a position where the organization desperately needs a long-term answer.
In free agency, Pittsburgh remained fairly active. Jamel Dean arrives after several nice seasons in Tampa Bay and should provide stability at cornerback. Rico Dowdle gives the backfield a more physical presence, while Jaquan Brisker was a worthwhile upside signing for the secondary.
I like most of what Pittsburgh did. My concern lies with the bigger picture. The roster may be better than it was a year ago, but I still do not see a team capable of matching the AFC's elite contenders.
Grade: B-
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