USA TODAY International Edition
Steelers must do what’s necessary to please Bell
Bengals, Ravens look to get back on track; Browns face big climb
With free agency starting March 9, USA TODAY Sports is looking at all eight NFL divisions and what could be in store for teams this offseason, as well as the moves they should make.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Prominent free agents: RB Le’Veon Bell, LB James Harrison, LB Lawrence Timmons, RB DeAngelo Williams, LB Jarvis Jones, WR Markus Wheaton. Primary issues for 2017: GM Kevin Colbert said recently that his priority was to get Bell and WR Antonio Brown locked in to deals, adding that he wanted them to retire as Steelers. The defense improved toward the end of the season, but a little more depth would help. The Steelers reached the AFC title game, so they have the talent to compete for Super Bowls. But with aging QB Ben Roethlisberger, who has not confirmed he’ll return in 2017, could the window for this group be closing?
Our advice: With the franchise tag number for running backs expected to hover around $ 12 million, Pittsburgh should tender the offer to Bell with the intention of striking a long- term deal. He’s the offense’s tone setter, and his versatile skill set lets Pittsburgh be creative in deploying him. Midtier running backs who don’t command as much money might suffice for some teams, but Bell is one of the NFL’s most dynamic weapons. Spots to address in the draft include outside linebacker — Harrison turns 39 in May — and tight end. And it might be time to draft and groom Roethlisberger’s replacement.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Prominent free agents: S Matt Elam, WR Kamar Aiken, CB Jerraud Powers, DE Lawrence Guy, RT Ricky Wagner, FB Kyle Juszczyk. Primary issues for 2017: The Ravens have hit a rough patch, failing to make the playoffs in three of the last four years after reaching the postseason in each of coach John Harbaugh’s first five seasons. Part of the problem is an ongoing rebuild that has been slow to purge the roster of veterans who might be past their prime. Two of the positions most affected by that are edge rusher and wide receiver.
Our advice: It makes sense to cut OLB Elvis Dumervil and take the $ 6 million- plus the team would save to invest elsewhere. Drafting a quick- twitch pass rusher is essential. The Ravens need more competition and more youth, so adding more than one edge player shouldn’t be out of the question in the draft. With Steve Smith Sr.’ s retirement, Baltimore should look strongly at adding a receiver in free agency and certainly in the draft as well. Baltimore needs another cornerback to bolster an inconsistent secondary.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Prominent free agents: LT Andrew Whitworth, DT Domata Peko, CB Dre Kirkpatrick, G Kevin Zeitler.
Primary issues for 2017: After making the playoffs in five consecutive seasons, Cincinnati regressed and must show it was an anomaly and not a sign of things to come. The Bengals allowed 41 sacks, tied for seventh most in the NFL. Two starters on the offensive line are free agents, so shoring up the group is key. The run defense was also vulnerable, so they need to reinvest in their front four. Our advice: In a league that prizes standout left tackles, Whitworth is likely to field sizable contract offers from multiple suitors. Cincinnati has cap space, but it might be considering letting the 35- year- old walk if the price is too exorbitant. It might be time for Jake Fisher, a 2015 second- round pick, to step up. If, however, the Bengals can get Whitworth to agree to a reasonable number, it’s a no- brainer to bring him back. The Bengals could always slide 2015 firstround selection Cedric Ogbuehi from right tackle to left to mitigate a potential Whitworth departure, but adding reinforce- ments on the offensive front are a priority. Part of Cincinnati’s struggles in the run game stem from a lack of athleticism from its linebackers. Speed on the edge and interior could go a long way toward solving that.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Prominent free agents: WR Terrelle Pryor, CB Tramon Williams, DE Stephen Paea. Primary issues for 2017: The Browns have invested in a high- volume draft strategy by stockpiling early picks, including four in the first two rounds in April. They need to show they have the scouting eye to pluck dominant players and coach them. Quarterback continues to be an issue as Robert Griffin III does not appear to be in the longterm plans. But this is a depleted roster that needs an infusion of talent in multiple spots.
Our advice: This depends on what coach Hue Jackson and the Browns think of this year’s quarterback class in the draft, but with picks No. 1 and No. 12, they have the chance to get the player they want most. This is widely considered a weaker quarterback class than recent editions, so the prudent move would be to take Texas A& M pass rusher Myles Garrett. This Browns team won’t become a winner overnight, so the most crucial step is to add the best possible talent. This is where exploring a trade for New England Patriots backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo becomes intriguing. Cleveland could leverage its draft picks to swing a trade for the talented but relatively unproven passer. Finding a quarterback in the draft might be tempting, but another botched pick at the position would set the Browns back that much further. Pryor showed in his first season as a receiver that he can be a playmaker, but he has to learn the intricacies of the position. So Cleveland shouldn’t feel the need to pay him top- dollar, elite receiver money. The Browns have a ton of cap space, but that doesn’t mean they should spend it without care.