The first week of free agency in the AFC North was chaotic, to say the least. Big names cashed in, fanbases celebrated (or panicked), and teams either solidified their rosters or created more questions than answers. Some front offices nailed their moves. Others… not so much.
The Baltimore Ravens kept their core intact, the Cincinnati Bengals made a few key investments, and the Cleveland Browns threw all their remaining cash at Myles Garrett. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers swung big for DK Metcalf, but questions remain about who’s throwing him the football.
Each team had its own strategy—some better than others.
Now that the dust has settled, it’s time to break down the four best moves from the first week of AFC North free agency. Baltimore came out on top, Cleveland made a necessary but expensive decision, and Cincinnati ensured their defense wouldn’t take a step back. Let’s dive in.
4. Ravens clear $13.4 million in cap space while keeping Marlon Humphrey
The Ravens came into the offseason strapped for cash. They needed to re-sign Ronnie Stanley, bring back key free agents, and add talent in free agency—all while keeping future contract extensions in mind.
Mission accomplished.
Baltimore retained Stanley and Patrick Ricard, landed DeAndre Hopkins, and still found a way to create some much-needed cap relief while keeping their star cornerback.
Kyle Hamilton and Tyler Linderbaum are both due for big extensions soon, and Derrick Henry will likely want a longer stay in Baltimore as well. Kicking money down the road isn’t ideal, but when it keeps a Super Bowl-caliber roster intact, it’s a necessary move. General manager Eric DeCosta did what had to be done.
3. Bengals bring (some of) the boys back
The Bengals finished the season 9-8 after a disastrous 4-8 start. Just when it looked like they were down and out, they rattled off five straight wins to close out the year and nearly snuck into the playoffs. That late-season surge gave them a reason to keep some key pieces around—and they did.
Cincinnati locked up defensive tackle B.J. Hill on a three-year, $33 million deal after another strong season anchoring their defensive front. Hill was one of their most consistent run defenders, finishing with 56 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, and three sacks. While it wasn’t a flashy signing, it was necessary. Keeping their interior defense solid is a smart move.
They also made a surprising investment in tight end Mike Gesicki, handing him a three-year, $25.5 million contract after a solid but unspectacular year. He finished with 65 catches for 665 yards and two touchdowns, giving Joe Burrow another weapon in an offense that loves targeting tight ends. The contract might have been a little rich, but at least Cincinnati is committing to surrounding Burrow with playmakers.
Now they just need to make sure they don’t lose Trey Hendrickson...
2. Browns throw every dollar they have left at Myles Garrett
Even though he lied through his teeth about why he re-signed with the Browns, Myles Garrett coming back to Cleveland is a major win for the franchise.
Cleveland has never been, is not, and never will be a free agency destination. That’s why retaining top talent and keeping it from walking out the door is priority number one. After publicly demanding a trade because he was tired of losing, Garrett suddenly had a change of heart and signed a four-year, $160 million extension… to "compete for championships." Sure.
While the reasoning is complete nonsense, the Browns couldn’t afford to lose him. They need Garrett way more than he needs them, so keeping him was an absolute necessity. A six-time Pro Bowler, four-time first-team All-Pro, and owner of 102.5 career sacks in eight seasons, Garrett is one of the best players in franchise history. No matter how it happened, locking him in was an enormous win.
1. Ravens keep Ronnie Stanley in Baltimore
Now for the main event. It really can’t be overstated how important Ronnie Stanley’s return is to Baltimore, especially given the contract he signed to keep protecting Lamar Jackson’s blindside.
Re-signing Stanley was the Ravens’ biggest offseason priority, and they got it done. That alone makes this the No. 1 best move of the AFC North’s first week of free agency. The fact that they locked him in for three years at $60 million makes it even sweeter. In a tackle market that saw teams overpaying for less-proven talent, Baltimore kept its anchor at a reasonable price. This was a home-run deal for the Ravens and a nightmare for every pass rusher in the AFC North.
Now, with Stanley locked in, the Ravens can focus on reinforcing their offensive line depth and continuing their push for a championship. Jackson has his protection, the offense has a new addition, and Baltimore’s path to the Super Bowl is as open as ever.