The AFC North continues to stand as one of the NFL’s toughest and most competitive divisions, defined by physical football, tight games, and playoff-caliber rosters. The rivalries are fierce, the expectations are high, and the intensity never wavers. As the 2025 season approaches, all four teams took different paths during the offseason. Some added star power, others prioritized depth, but each made calculated moves aimed at strengthening their playoff chances. This breakdown takes a closer look at the key additions that shaped each team’s offseason and how those changes could impact the balance of power in one of the league’s most unforgiving divisions.
Baltimore Ravens
Key Additions:
DeAndre Hopkins (WR, 1 year, 5 million dollars)
Hopkins joins the Ravens to provide a steady veteran presence in the receiving corps. In 2024, he split time between the Titans and Chiefs, finishing with 56 receptions for 610 yards and 5 touchdowns. Known for his reliable hands and ability to find space in tight coverage, Hopkins will be a valuable target for Lamar Jackson, especially on third downs and in the red zone.
Joe Noteboom (OT, 1 year, 2 million dollars)
Noteboom arrives from the Rams after recovering from an early-season ankle injury. He returned to start 4 games in 2024 and brings positional versatility, having experience at both tackle spots. His presence offers critical depth on the offensive line and supports the team’s run-first identity while offering added protection for Jackson.
Chidobe Awuzie (CB, 1 year, 1.12 million dollars)
Awuzie returns to the AFC North after spending 2024 with the Titans. He started 7 of 8 games played, registering 26 total tackles, 1 interception, and 4 passes defended. A physical corner with experience inside and outside, Awuzie adds depth and leadership to the secondary. His familiarity with division opponents and veteran savvy will benefit Baltimore’s pass defense.
Cooper Rush (QB, 2 years, 12.2 million dollars)
Rush provides an experienced backup option behind Lamar Jackson. In 2024 with Dallas, he started 8 games and played in 12 overall, completing 187 of 308 passes for 1,844 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions with a passer rating of 83.8. Rush has shown the ability to manage games effectively, and his addition ensures the Ravens have a capable and prepared option if Jackson misses time.
Summary
Baltimore made practical, low-cost additions designed to solidify depth across the roster. Hopkins brings immediate red zone value and reliability, while Noteboom and Awuzie provide trusted experience on the line and in the secondary. Cooper Rush upgrades the backup quarterback role, adding stability behind Jackson. The Ravens leaned on familiarity and scheme fit in their signings, maintaining one of the league’s steadiest rosters. However, wide receiver depth remains a concern behind Hopkins and Zay Flowers, especially given Rashod Bateman’s ongoing injury issues. This is still a playoff-caliber team, but one or two more impact signings might have elevated their ceiling further.
Grade: B
Cincinnati Bengals
Key Additions:
T.J. Slaton (DL, 2 years, 14.1 million dollars)
Slaton arrives from Green Bay, where he served as the starting nose tackle in 2024. He appeared in all 17 games, recording 50 total tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and 1 sack. At 330 pounds, Slaton brings much-needed power and size to the interior, helping clog run lanes and control the point of attack. His presence should free up Cincinnati’s linebackers and signal a renewed focus on stopping the run after struggles in that area last season.
Oren Burks (LB, 2 years, 5 million dollars)
Burks joins the Bengals fresh off a Super Bowl run with the Eagles. In 2024, he played in all 17 regular season games and recorded 41 total tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 pass deflection. He stepped up during the playoffs after Nakobe Dean’s injury, adding 25 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and 1 sack across 4 postseason games. Burks offers versatility at linebacker and immediate special teams value, making him a high-return signing at modest cost.
Lucas Patrick (OG, 1 year, 2.1 million dollars)
Patrick brings valuable interior versatility after starting 10 games for the Saints in 2024. He played both guard and center and allowed zero sacks across 562 snaps. Known for his toughness and leadership, Patrick earned a 64.6 grade from Pro Football Focus and will compete for the right guard job while offering strong depth along the offensive line.
Samaje Perine (RB, 1 year, 1.5 million dollars)
Perine returns to Cincinnati after a season with the Chiefs, where he logged 20 carries for 92 yards and 1 touchdown across 17 games. While his usage was limited, he remains one of the league’s better third-down backs and is trusted in pass protection. His familiarity with the Bengals’ system and his skill set as a blocker and short-yardage option make this a seamless fit.
Summary
Cincinnati stayed disciplined in free agency, focusing on smart, physical additions that align with their identity. Slaton strengthens the defensive interior, Burks adds range and playoff-tested grit at linebacker, and Patrick is a steady piece who shores up the offensive line. Perine’s return reinforces the backfield following Joe Mixon’s departure. However, the Bengals did not address tight end or cornerback in a meaningful way. The departure of Chidobe Awuzie leaves a leadership gap in the secondary, and counting on internal development could backfire in critical matchups. This remains a strong roster, but their reluctance to be more aggressive defensively may limit their postseason upside.
Grade: B+
Cleveland Browns
Key Additions:
Maliek Collins (DL, 2 years, 20 million dollars)
Collins signed with Cleveland following a productive 2024 campaign with the 49ers, where he appeared in 16 games with 14 starts. He posted 33 solo tackles, 5.0 sacks, and 8 tackles for loss. A quick and disruptive interior lineman, Collins provides the interior pass rush Cleveland lacked last year. His ability to penetrate gaps should help create more space and freedom for Myles Garrett on the edge.
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (EDGE, 1 year, 4.75 million dollars)
Tryon-Shoyinka comes over from Tampa Bay after recording 5.0 sacks and 35 total tackles in 2024. He brings speed and length to the edge rotation and should benefit from playing in a more aggressive scheme under Jim Schwartz. If he can find consistency, Tryon-Shoyinka could become a valuable situational rusher.
Jerome Baker (LB, 1 year, 1.4 million dollars)
Baker joins after a 2024 season with Miami in which he played 10 games and registered 61 total tackles, 2.0 sacks, and 3 passes defended. Although injuries limited his availability, he remains a rangy linebacker with strong coverage skills. He upgrades Cleveland’s athleticism at the position and is expected to see work in sub-packages and passing downs.
Joe Flacco (QB, 1 year, 4 million dollars)
Flacco returns to the Browns after a solid 2024 stint with the Colts, where he started 6 games and threw for 1,761 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. He previously led Cleveland to a 4 and 1 record in late 2023 and was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year. At 40, Flacco brings poise, professionalism, and insurance behind Deshaun Watson.
Summary
The Browns targeted specific defensive upgrades with Collins, Baker, and Tryon-Shoyinka, each of whom adds burst and experience to a unit that underperformed in spots last year. Flacco’s return gives them stability at backup quarterback, an underrated need given Watson’s uncertain health history. Still, the Browns did not find a clear number two wide receiver to complement Jerry Jeudy, and depth at offensive tackle remains thin. While they added speed and depth on defense, a more aggressive approach on offense might have been needed to boost a roster still reliant on several question marks.
Grade: C
Pittsburgh Steelers
Key Additions:
Aaron Rodgers (QB, expected 1 year, 20 million dollars)
Rodgers arrives in Pittsburgh after playing a full 2024 season with the New York Jets, where he threw for 4,129 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while starting all 17 games. At 41, he proved he can still make elite-level throws and command an offense. He now steps into a more dynamic situation than he had in New York, bringing immediate credibility to the Steelers’ huddle. The only question is whether the offensive line can protect him. If they do, Rodgers gives Pittsburgh a legitimate shot at a postseason run.
DK Metcalf (WR, acquired via trade, signed 4-year, 132 million dollar extension)
Metcalf joins the Steelers after a strong 2024 season with Seattle, where he recorded 83 receptions for 1,114 yards and 9 touchdowns. His rare combination of size, speed, and physicality gives Pittsburgh a premier target who can stretch the field and win contested catches. His arrival should elevate the team’s entire passing game and create more space for other playmakers.
Darius Slay (CB, 1 year, 10 million dollars)
Slay brings proven ball skills and veteran presence to a secondary that needed leadership. In 2024 with the Eagles, he recorded 2 interceptions and 14 passes defended. Known for his instincts and ability to shadow top receivers, Slay adds experience and flexibility to Pittsburgh’s defensive schemes. His mentorship should benefit the team’s younger defensive backs.
Malik Harrison (LB, 2 years, 10 million dollars)
Harrison spent last season with the Ravens, where he totaled 55 tackles and 2.0 sacks. A physical run defender with experience in AFC North battles, Harrison helps reinforce a linebacker unit that lacked punch in the middle. He also brings special teams value and is expected to be part of the early-down rotation.
Summary
The Steelers made the biggest splash of the offseason by acquiring Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf, instantly raising the ceiling of their offense. Slay shores up the back end, and Harrison adds toughness in the middle of the defense. These moves clearly signal that Pittsburgh is looking to win now rather than rebuild. However, they did not make substantial upgrades to the offensive line, particularly at tackle, which could become a serious issue in protecting Rodgers. They also passed on adding depth at tight end and defensive tackle, both of which were injury-riddled spots last season. The pieces are in place for a contender, but their success will hinge on keeping Rodgers upright and healthy.
Grade: B
Overall Division Outlook
The AFC North remains one of the most competitive and unforgiving divisions in the NFL, with all four teams entering 2025 believing they can reach the postseason. Pittsburgh made the boldest statement, reshaping its identity around Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf to push for a title now. Baltimore prioritized stability, bolstering depth while relying on a veteran core that has kept them near the top for years. Cincinnati stuck to its formula, reinforcing the trenches and making smart value plays, though lingering concerns in the secondary remain. Cleveland got faster and more aggressive on defense and brought back Joe Flacco for security, but questions still loom over Deshaun Watson and the offensive supporting cast.
With few glaring weaknesses across the division, this race will likely come down to quarterback play, health, and who can win the physical head-to-head matchups that define AFC North football. Every team has a path to the playoffs. And just as easily, a path to disappointment.
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