1. Cincinnati Bengals
Major Additions: Vincent Rey (re-signed)
Major Losses: Michael Johnson, Anthony Collins, Andrew Hawkins
Despite sitting quiet in free agency and seeing multiple starters from last season's 11-5 team depart, the Bengals remain atop the AFC North for now. Previous drafts have prepared Cincinnati for this, as 2013 second round pick Margus Hunt should see significant snaps replacing Johnson as will Wallace Gilberry who re-signed on a three-year deal with the team.
Make no mistake, Cincinnati will miss Johnson's pass rush ability and Collins' versatility to start at multiple positions and provide excellent protection for Andy Dalton last season. But the Bengals need to be smart with their money considering Dalton and star wide receiver A.J. Green are due for contract extensions right around the corner. The Bengals have the depth on both the offensive and defensive line that can replace last year's starters and save them money long-term.
Cincinnati can stay quiet in free agency but they have to find some major hit in the 2014 NFL Draft if they want to hold the lead they have over the rest of the AFC North. They are the defending champions of the North and everyone will be gunning to take that spot next season.
2. Baltimore Ravens
Major Additions: Dennis Pitta (re-signed), Eugene Monroe (re-signed), Daryl Smith (re-signed), Steve Smith
Major Losses: Arthur Jones, James Ihedigbo
A year after winning the Super Bowl, the Ravens came crashing down last season in part because the offense struggled to pass the ball and the running game was non-existent. After finishing 8-8 they turned their attention towards improving the offense in free agency, and that's exactly what they did.
Joe Flacco Super Bowl-run was phenomenal but his play leveled out in 2013 as he finished the season throwing just 19 touchdowns to 22 interceptions. When Torrey Smith was drawing double coverage, his options were limited and he forced passes to inexperienced wide receivers. So Ozzie Newsome made sure that won't happen again, re-signing Pitta who missed most of the season with a fractured hip. Pitta will be welcomed back by open arms as will Smith, who comes to Baltimore after a long career with the Carolina Panthers. While Smith isn't nearly as talented as he used to be, he will provide a tough, trusted target that Flacco can go to.
The Ravens also brought back Daryl Smith who had a career-year with the Ravens last season and served as the leader on defense. Smith should also serve as a mentor to Arthur Brown who should see significantly more snaps this season. But the Ravens best move of all was re-signing Monroe to a five year deal worth $37.5 million, a steal for the market price and is one of the best in the game at the age of 26.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
Major Additions: LeGarrette Blount, Arthur Moats, Lance Moore, Mike Mitchell, Jason Worilds (re-signed)
Major Losses: Emmanuel Sanders, Jerricho Cotchery
When the Steelers entered the midway point of the year at 2-6, it appeared as if the time had finally come when the veteran team's age was finally catching up with them, and many thought it was time to turn the attention towards the draft. But things turned around quickly in the second half, as the team went 6-2 the rest of the way and fell inches short of sneaking into the playoffs on a hot streak.
Pittsburgh still had to make some decisions in the offseason, cutting ties with long-time Steelers like LaMarr Woodley, Larry Foote and Ryan Clark to save money. While it represented a change in times for the franchise it was a necesary move and one that allowed them to make upgrades. The money saved allowed them to bring in quality players on offense with Blount and Moore. More importantly they were able to keep Worilds in the building on a one-year tender and upgrade at free safety.
Mitchell signed a five-year, $25 million deal with Pittsburgh and at the age of 26 is just beginning to enter the prime of his career. He should pair very nicely with Troy Polamalu, and try and help the Steelers' defense move back into one of the top teams against the pass in 2014. Bringing back the 26-year-old Worilds was a must for Pittsburgh, he emerged last season with career-highs in tackles (63), sacks (eight) and forced fumbles (two).
If the Steelers can draft another top wide receiver to help out Ben Roethlisberger or a stout defensive linemen, this team can make that push to get back into the playoffs and emerge as contenders for the AFC North crown.
4. Cleveland Browns
Major Additions: Donte Whitner, Karlos Dansby, Andrew Hawkins, Ben Tate, Paul McQuistan
Major Losses: T.J. Ward, D'Qwell Jackson
The Browns kicked off the offseason by firing their first-year head coach a day after the season followed by their CEO and general manager weeks later. But ever since the hectic start, the Browns and new general manager Ray Farmer has impressed in free agency so far.
While the team may have made a slight downgrade at strong safety getting older and paying more money to Whitner, they are still getting a high-quality starter who fits right into their defense. They replaced Jackson at linebacker with a slightly older but more talented player in Dansby, as the team showed a committment to continuing to build their defense.
The Browns also addressed their offense as they worked on building a foundation around whoever their quarterback will be next season. Tate arrives in a situation where he can carry the workload after picking up whatever Arian Foster left for him with the Houston Texans. As long as Tate stays healthy, he provides a massive upgrade at running back for the Browns and gives them a great threat out of the backfield. Cleveland may have overpaid for Hawkins to pry him away from the Bengals, but the 28-year-old is the ideal slot wide receiver who can find plenty of open space as teams focus on stopping Jordan Cameron and Josh Gordon leaving Hawkins wide open.
Now the Browns can turn their attention toward the draft and bringing in a franchise quarterback who can take over what is turning out to be a very nice foundation. Cleveland is on the rise, but it's a year away from playoff contention.