After kicking off our offseason needs series with the AFC East, we now turn to the AFC North, a division featuring three new head coaches and no shortage of roster questions.
The Steelers’ biggest storyline centers on whether they can bring back Aaron Rodgers to pair with a familiar face at head coach, while Baltimore and Cincinnati will spend much of the offseason addressing key defensive deficiencies. Cleveland, as usual, has holes at nearly every level of the roster.
Here are the top offseason needs for each AFC North team heading into 2026.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Quarterback: Right now, the Steelers are staring at Mason Rudolph and Will Howard at quarterback, which is not a long-term answer. Mike McCarthy may be able to bring Aaron Rodgers back for another season, but that would only be a short-term fix. Pittsburgh will be active in evaluating this draft class and could also explore the trade market for a veteran option to stabilize the position.
Wide Receiver: Outside of DK Metcalf, the rest of the receiving production is headed for free agency. Calvin Austin and Scotty Miller are both set to test the market, and with the uncertainty at quarterback, Pittsburgh may not be a top destination for veteran receivers. This is a spot where the Steelers could invest early in the draft.
Safety: The secondary is thin. Jalen Ramsey’s move to safety did not provide the stability the team hoped for, and both Chuck Clark and Kyle Dugger are free agents. With only Joey Porter Jr. and an aging Ramsey locked in as dependable starters, the Steelers need to reinforce the back end, whether that is by re-signing Dugger or adding a new piece in free agency.
Baltimore Ravens
Interior Offensive Line: The middle of Baltimore’s offensive line struggled last season. Tyler Linderbaum did what he could to stabilize the unit, but he now enters free agency, and both Andrew Vorhees and Daniel Faalele have also underperformed or are on expiring deals. Fixing the interior will be priority number one if the Ravens want to return to contender status.
Cornerback: Nate Wiggins has flashed starting-level ability, but injuries remain a concern. Chidobe Awuzie is a free agent, and Marlon Humphrey could be a cap casualty or trade candidate. The Ravens have the potential to field an elite defense again, but only if they reinforce the outside coverage group.
EDGE: Baltimore’s pass rush is facing turnover, with key contributors hitting free agency. Jesse Minter’s defense relies on versatility and pressure up front, so the Ravens will need to bring in at least one impact edge rusher to pair with Mike Green and stabilize the front seven.
Cincinnati Bengals
Safety: Cincinnati’s biggest issues are on the defensive side of the ball, starting at safety. Geno Stone is a free agent and not an ideal long-term answer. The Bengals need a true free safety who can cover ground and create turnovers. A veteran addition could stabilize the unit quickly.
Defensive End: Trey Hendrickson will be hitting free agency, and Joseph Ossai is also unlikely to return. While former first-rounders Shemar Stewart and Myles Murphy are still in the mix, neither has shown enough to be counted on as a top option. At minimum, the Bengals need to rebuild depth, and they may need to find two new starters.
Linebacker: Logan Wilson’s absence exposed major issues in coverage, particularly against tight ends. Rookie Demetrius Knight Jr. played well, but he is more of a downhill run defender. Cincinnati needs a true three-down linebacker who can stay on the field in passing situations and help the defense get off the field on third down.
Cleveland Browns
Offensive Line: Cleveland’s entire starting offensive line is headed toward free agency, including long-time stalwart Joel Bitonio. Whether they attempt to re-sign veterans or start over with a full rebuild, the Browns must aggressively address the trenches or the offense will not function.
Wide Receiver: The receiving group struggled to create separation or produce consistently. Jerry Jeudy had issues with drops, and the rest of the unit failed to step up. No matter who is under center in 2026, Cleveland needs to add legitimate pass-catching talent.
Quarterback: Deshaun Watson is reportedly healthy, but his recent play provides little confidence. Shedeur Sanders showed flashes but remains unproven, and Dillon Gabriel is still a developmental option. The Browns may have to invest another high draft pick at quarterback to find a long-term solution.
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