It’s been quite a run for a division that always seems to be in the mix when it comes to Super Bowl aspirations the AFC North has been sent at least two teams to the playoffs in 11 of the 16 seasons dating back to 2008. That was John Harbaugh’s first year in Baltimore, and Mike Tomlin’s second season in Pittsburgh.
A closer look shows that the division sent three teams to the playoffs during that aforementioned span on four occasions. Such was the case in 2023 when Baltimore finished with the best record in the league, Cleveland rebounded from a last-place finish the year before to grab a wild card berth. The Steelers won their final three games and earned the seventh seed in the AFC.
What made this past season even more impressive was the fact that the Cincinnati Bengals, winners of the AFC North the previous two seasons, finished 9-8. That was good enough for just last place, and Zac Taylor’s club just missed out on a playoff berth.
There was a lot of player movement in regards to all four franchises this offseason. Who was the best pickup for the Ravens, Bengals, Browns and Steelers? Who was a player each team will miss the most? It starts with the reigning AFC North champions, who will have plenty of new faces on the roster in 2024.
Top addition, biggest departure for the 4 AFC North teams
Baltimore Ravens
Best addition: RB Derrick Henry
It makes sense that the team that has led the NFL in rushing yards per game in three of the past five seasons would add a performer that has been the league’s top workhorse. The Tennessee Titans opted to let Derrick Henry test free agency and he joined the reigning AFC North champions via a two-year deal.
Having the two-time league rushing champion in the backfield should make life easier for quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has led John Harbaugh’s club in yards on the ground five consecutive years. A year ago, Henry totaled an NFL-high 280 carries and was second in the league with 1,167 yards. A no-brainer.
Biggest loss: S Geno Stone
Only Dallas’ DaRon Bland (8) picked off more passes this past season than the former University of Iowa product. Geno Stone was a seventh-round pick by the Ravens in 2020, and comes off a career campaign with his seven picks. In his first three seasons, he played in a total of 34 regular-season contests and made just eight starts.
Keep in mind that the Ravens were tied for the NFL lead with 31 takeaways in 2023. Stone’s departure was among a slew of performers that either left via free agency (as was the case with Stone), or were released by the organization. This figures to be a much-different Baltimore defense this upcoming season.
Cincinnati Bengals
Best addition: WR Jermaine Burton
For the past three seasons, Bengals’ quarterback Joe Burrow (when healthy) has been able to take advantage of a talented trio of wide receivers. Ja’Marr Chase has been named to three Pro Bowls in as many years, veteran Tyler Boyd has been highly reliable and Tee Higgins has been a big-play option.
This year will be different as Boyd joined the Titans. Higgins has yet to sign his “franchise” tag tender, but there’s plenty of time. The Bengals used a third-round pick in April on Jermaine Burton. In four seasons with Georgia (2020-21) and Alabama (2022-23), he totaled 132 catches for 2,376 yards and 23 scores.
Biggest loss: RB Joe Mixon
He had been a very steady player for the organization since the Bengals made him the 48th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Former University of Oklahoma standout Joe Mixon spent seven seasons in the Queen City, totaling 8,551 yards from scrimmage and 62 touchdowns – rushing for 1,000-plus yards four times.
Just when it appeared that Mixon was going to be cut loose by the team, Cincinnati wound up dealing him to the Houston Texans. To fill the void, the Bengals signed running back Zack Moss. He comes off a career campaign with the Colts, but can he fill the shoes of the reliable Moss. He’s totaled just six career fumbles.
Cleveland Browns
Best addition: RB D’Onta Foreman
The organization has relied on free agency and trades more than the draft these past two offseasons after giving up first-round picks in 2023 and 2024. Those were part of the deal that allowed them to acquire quarterback Deshaun Watson from Houston. The Browns are hoping he can remain healthy this season.
Despite losing four-time Pro Bowler Nick Chubb in Week 2 in 2023, the team still finished 12th in the league in rushing. He’s on the mend, but GM Andrew Berry added some experience in D’Onta Foreman, who has rushed for a combined 1,905 yards and 12 touchdowns since 2021 with three different clubs.
Biggest loss: LB Anthony Walker Jr.
The top-ranked defense in the NFL this past season was a lot more than just defensive end Myles Garrett and a talented starting front four. Jim Schwartz’s unit got contributions from all facets. The Browns were much-improved vs. the run, finished sixth in the league with 49 sacks and came away with 28 takeaways.
Linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. spent three seasons with the Browns, after beginning his career with the Indianapolis Colts. In seven NFL campaigns, he totaled 100-plus tackles three times. He led Cleveland with 113 stops in 2021. He’s now a member of the Dolphins after starting 12 games for the Browns in 2023.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Best addition: LB Patrick Queen
The Steelers have been seemingly looking for an answer at the inside linebacker spot since Ryan Shazier went down late in 2017. In 2019, they traded up in the draft to grab talented Devin Bush. He had a strong rookie year, but suffered a knee injury in his second season and never regained that standout form.
The addition of former Baltimore Ravens’ first-round pick Patrick Queen is a huge upgrade for Mike Tomlin’s team, and conversely a big loss for the reigning AFC North champions. He led John Harbaugh’s club in tackles in each of his first three seasons, and was second on the team in 2023 with 133 stops.
Biggest loss: WR Diontae Johnson
In 2022, quarterback Kenny Pickett started 12 games and led the team in passing yards and TD tosses. Wide receiver Diontae Johnson was Pittsburgh’s top pass-catcher with 86 receptions. The former was dealt to the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason, while the latter was traded to the Carolina Panthers.
Johnson’s departure leaves a big void in the Steelers’ wide receiver room. George Pickens looks like a future Pro Bowler, but who will be the other outside threat? Pittsburgh drafted Roman Wilson and he figures to be in the slot. Is the answer Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins, or does Omar Khan have a plan?