Tracking every offseason transaction made by the Baltimore Ravens’ AFC North rivals

As one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, the AFC North is always full of intrigue. With four teams—Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers—vying for supremacy each season, the division is one of the most hard-fought in football. Each offseason, teams in the AFC North make moves to improve their rosters, whether it be through free agent signings, trades, or draft picks. For the Ravens, keeping tabs on their division rivals’ offseason transactions is vital in understanding their competition and how they can maintain their status as a playoff contender.

In this article, we’ll break down the major offseason moves made by the AFC North teams leading up to the 2025 NFL season. From roster changes to the adjustments made to each team’s coaching staff, we’ll dive into the transactions that have shaped the landscape of the division and highlight how these moves could impact the upcoming season.

1. Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals have emerged as one of the top teams in the AFC in recent years, thanks largely to the development of quarterback Joe Burrow and the explosive offense featuring wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. While Cincinnati’s defense has been solid, their primary focus has been on strengthening their already dynamic offense. This offseason was no different, with key signings and moves aimed at bolstering their championship window.

Key Offseason Transactions:

Free Agency Signings:

• Orlando Brown Jr. (Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs): One of the most significant moves of the Bengals’ offseason was the acquisition of Orlando Brown Jr., the two-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl LV champion. Brown is expected to anchor Cincinnati’s offensive line, which has been a major concern for the team in recent seasons. With Joe Burrow’s ability to extend plays, providing him with a more solid front to protect him should help elevate their offense.
• Nick Scott (Safety, Los Angeles Rams): After losing Vonn Bell to free agency, the Bengals signed Nick Scott to add depth to their secondary. Scott’s ability to cover and contribute against the run gives the Bengals a versatile option at safety alongside Jessie Bates III.

Trades:

• Traded for Miles Murphy (Defensive End, Clemson): In a bid to boost their defensive line and get pressure on opposing quarterbacks, the Bengals traded up in the draft to select Miles Murphy. A versatile pass rusher, Murphy is expected to make an immediate impact and provide depth alongside star defensive linemen like Trey Hendrickson.

Draft Picks:

• Carter Warren (Offensive Tackle, Pittsburgh): After the Brown signing, the Bengals continued to bolster their offensive line by drafting Warren. A physical blocker with potential, Warren is expected to provide depth and develop into a potential starter down the line.

Analysis of Bengals’ Offseason:

The Bengals have clearly prioritized protecting Joe Burrow and adding more talent on the defensive side of the ball, which was one of their few areas of concern last season. By adding Orlando Brown Jr., they’ve given Burrow a legitimate franchise tackle, which should pay off in both the short and long term. Additionally, their defensive improvements with the addition of Miles Murphy and Nick Scott aim to create a more well-rounded team. With an already potent offense, Cincinnati looks poised to challenge for the top spot in the AFC North again in 2025.

2. Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns have had a turbulent few seasons since acquiring quarterback Deshaun Watson in a blockbuster trade. Despite having one of the most talented rosters in the NFL on paper, the Browns have struggled to put it all together. This offseason, Cleveland made several moves to bolster both their offense and defense in an effort to finally put their full potential into action.

Key Offseason Transactions:

Free Agency Signings:

• Dalvin Tomlinson (Defensive Tackle, Minnesota Vikings): The Browns made a big splash in free agency by signing Dalvin Tomlinson to bolster their defensive line. Tomlinson, a powerful run-stuffer and solid pass rusher, will give Cleveland a stronger presence in the trenches, which should help improve their defense against both the run and the pass.
• Juan Thornhill (Safety, Kansas City Chiefs): After the departure of some key defensive pieces, the Browns signed Juan Thornhill, a former Super Bowl champion with the Chiefs. Thornhill brings playmaking ability and leadership to the secondary, which is an area that Cleveland struggled with in recent years.
• Elijah Moore (Wide Receiver, New York Jets): One of the more exciting moves for Cleveland was the trade for Elijah Moore. Moore, a young and talented receiver, joins a group that includes Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones. With Deshaun Watson looking to bounce back in 2025, Moore’s speed and big-play ability will give him a dynamic weapon to work with.

Trades:

• Traded for Elijah Moore (Wide Receiver, New York Jets): The Browns made a trade with the New York Jets to acquire Moore in exchange for multiple picks. Moore struggled with the Jets but has shown flashes of potential in his first few seasons. If Watson can regain his pre-suspension form, Moore could be a breakout star in the Cleveland offense.

Draft Picks:

• Cedric Tillman (Wide Receiver, Tennessee): The Browns added more depth at wide receiver by drafting Cedric Tillman, a big-bodied receiver who is adept at making contested catches. While not expected to be an immediate star, Tillman will provide Watson with another weapon in an offense that already has some big names.

Analysis of Browns’ Offseason:

Cleveland’s moves this offseason have been all about improving their defense and surrounding Deshaun Watson with more weapons on offense. The signing of Dalvin Tomlinson and Juan Thornhill strengthens their defensive unit significantly. On the offensive side, adding Elijah Moore provides a speedster who can stretch the field and give Watson a new dynamic target. The pressure is on Watson to perform at a high level, as the Browns’ roster is one of the most complete in the division. If Watson plays up to expectations, Cleveland could be a major contender in the AFC North.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the midst of a rebuilding phase, having transitioned from long-time quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to the promising young Kenny Pickett. Pittsburgh has traditionally been a defense-first team, but they are working hard to build a more balanced roster with a focus on upgrading their offense in particular.

Key Offseason Transactions:

Free Agency Signings:

• Patrick Peterson (Cornerback, Minnesota Vikings): One of the most significant moves for the Steelers was the acquisition of future Hall of Famer Patrick Peterson. While Peterson is no longer in his prime, he brings experience, leadership, and a winning mentality to the Pittsburgh secondary. His addition could help a young defensive backfield and make the Steelers’ defense even more formidable.
• Nate Herbig (Offensive Guard, New York Jets): Pittsburgh focused on strengthening their offensive line by signing Nate Herbig. As a versatile lineman, Herbig should help stabilize the unit and provide more protection for quarterback Kenny Pickett as he enters his second season.

Trades:

• Traded for Allen Robinson (Wide Receiver, Los Angeles Rams): The Steelers made a trade for Allen Robinson, the veteran wide receiver who has dealt with injury issues in recent years. While Robinson’s production has dipped, his size and experience provide an intriguing addition to Pittsburgh’s receiving corps. Robinson will give Pickett a reliable target alongside Diontae Johnson and George Pickens.

Draft Picks:

• Broderick Jones (Offensive Tackle, Georgia): One of the most impactful moves for the Steelers was selecting Broderick Jones in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Jones is a powerful and athletic offensive tackle who will immediately step in to improve Pittsburgh’s line. This should be a major boon for the running game and provide Pickett with better protection in the pocket.
• Joey Porter Jr. (Cornerback, Penn State): The Steelers continued to bolster their defense by selecting Joey Porter Jr., a talented cornerback with the ability to start immediately. His physicality and coverage skills will help solidify Pittsburgh’s already strong defensive unit.

Analysis of Steelers’ Offseason:

The Steelers had a balanced approach in free agency, focusing on both the offense and defense. The additions of Patrick Peterson and Joey Porter Jr. should make their defense even stronger, while the trade for Allen Robinson and the drafting of Broderick Jones show Pittsburgh is committed to helping Kenny Pickett develop. If Pickett takes the next step in his progression, the Steelers’ offense could significantly improve, especially with better protection up front. However, Pittsburgh’s strength will still be on defense, where they are one of the toughest units in the NFL. With an improved offense, Pittsburgh could be poised for a playoff run.