Free Agent Needs by Division- AFC North
Dorian “The Trashman” Colbert, Rosterwatch.com

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens: FS Ed Reed is insistent on staying a Raven, but the team may have other plans. The two sides haven’t yet spoken about a contract with only a week left until free agency. LB Dannell Ellerbe, is another impending free agent who the Ravens will likely let test the market. He did a solid job filling in for Ray Lewis last season, but that may not warrant the 25 to 30 million dollar deal he is seeking. Fellow LB Paul Kruger, on the other hand, probably does deserve to be payed top dollar, but Baltimore probably won’t be the team to do it. They drafted Courtney Upshaw last year to play the same position, and they seem content in allowing a changing of the guard. Someone the Ravens might be actually looking to bring into the fold is NT Sammie Lee Hill, who would be a big step up from Maake Kemoeatu, a free agent this year.

Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals have a need at the safety position with Nate Clements and Chris Crocker’s contracts up. Someone like LaRon Landry would be a great fit, and the Bengals have plenty of cap space, $54 million,  to sign him. Andre Smith was probably the best RT in the league last season, and he wants to be paid like it at $9 million a year. Word in the league is that many teams are afraid to sign him out of fear he will loose his desire to perform with a big contract. The Bengals have no excuse to let him go though with their surplus, but I wouldn’t put it past miserly owner Mike Brown. The Bengals would also be behooved to add some speed in the backfield. Reggie Bush would be an easy addition.

Cleveland Browns: C Alex Mack is a top priority for the Browns to extend. He won’t come cheaply though, as he is one of the premier blocking centers in the game right now. Cleveland also needs a rushing linebacker in new DC Ray Horton’s 3-4, and former Charger Shaun Phillips could fit the bill. Phillips played under coach Chudzinski and OC Norv Turner in San Diego. Paul Kruger is another possible fit for that position. DC Horton would also be wise to lobby for DB Keenan Lewis who excelled in 2012 for the Steelers’ top ranked pass defense. Horton was Pittsiburgh’s DB coach when Lewis came into the league. On the offensive side, look for the Browns to bring in some QB competition for incumbent Brandon Weeden. Colt McCoy is on the outs, and Cleveland has made it known that they are interested in bringing someone in. Matt Moore and Matt Cassel come to mind.

Pittsburgh Steelers: A nasty salary cap situation has thrown the Steelers into restructuring mode. LB Lawrence Timmins, LB LaMarr Woodley, and WR Antonio Brown are all having their contracts finagled to make cap space. WR Mike Wallace is probably going to walk, but the Steelers will most likely not bring in another upper echelon receiver. They’ve shown interest in Steve Breaston to come in as a number 2 type wide out. Pittsburgh could also aim to bolster their tight end situation, with Heath Miller coming off an injury, and questionable to be effective at season’s start. TE Fred Davis is a possible candidate to be acquired on the cheap, after his own injury troubles.