AFC North Free Agency: Day One Round Up

Taking a look at how the rest of the AFC North has done during the first day of NFL Free Agency.

The AFC North has become one of the better division in the NFL in recent years. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens have been the class of the division since its inception, but the Cincinnati Bengals have been the leader in recent years. Then, there are the Cleveland Browns. We will leave it at that.

The Ravens started off free agency by signing tight end Benjamin Watson, and have shown interest in wide receiverMike Wallace. They have reworked a few deals with some of their own to clear some cap room, including new contracts forMarshal YandaandKyle Arrington. Not all is going well, however, as they have lost out onKelechi Osemeleto the Oakland Raiders.

While the Ravens look to improve their team, so is the rest of the AFC North. Here is what the rest of the division is doing on the opening day of free agency:

Browns:

Cleveland is not having a great first day of free agency as several of their free agent hopefuls are moving on. CenterAlex Mackis signing with the Atlanta Falcons, while wide receiverTravis Benjaminis headed to the San Diego Chargers.

The team has also pulled their offer on right tackleMitchell Schwartz. It was reported that he was offered a contract worth nearly $7.5 million per season, which would have made him the second-highest paid right tackle in the NFL.

The Browns should be players in free agency as they have a little more than $48 million in cap space.

Bengals:

Marvin Joneswas the first former Bengal to leave The Jungle as he signed an agreement with the Detroit Lions. The Lions needed a WR with the retirement ofCalvin Johnson. The Bengals have some questions at receiver as well with Jones out andMohamed Sanualso a free agent.

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Cincinnati was able to keep a few of their own by coming to terms with safetyGeorge Ilokaon a five-year, $30 million deal with $18 million over the first three years. It’s a huge signing for the Bengals as Iloka is arguably one of the best safeties in the game. They also re-upped with tackle and president of the NFL Players AssociationEric Winstonon a one-year contract.

Adam Jonesis drawing a lot of interest around the league, including from the Ravens.

Steelers:

WithHeath Millerretiring this offseason, Pittsburgh desperately needed a tight end, and got their man by signing Lardarius Green. Green has split opportunities withAntonio Gateswhile in San Diego, but will finally gets a chance to start in the Steel City.

Pittsburgh has reached a new deal with guardRamon Foster. Keeping Foster was important as the team is expected to lose tackleKelvin Beachum. The Ravens have been linked to Beachum as well.

Next: Ravens Free Agent Rumors:Ben Watson, Mike Wallace

The Ravens have cleared cap space so it is only a matter of time until the news starts coming in about new deals. You can search The Baltimore Wire for our continuous coverage during free agency.

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