AFC and NFC North Free Agency Outlook
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
Top Units
1. QB (92.3 Threat)
2. CB (79.1 Havoc)
3. RB (78.5 Threat)
Worst Units
1. DE (67.0)
2. WR (67.2)
3. S (70.6)
The top free agent potentially not returning to Baltimore is Ronnie Stanley, the tackle they chose over Orlando Brown Jr. just a couple seasons ago. According to Field Vision’s composite offensive line ranking, Action Jackson and King Henry had a top 6 front paving paths for them, so with Stanley, Patrick Mekari, and Ben Cleveland entering the wild, wild west, the future may falter for these contenders. They could look to the open markets to solve their potential IOL issues with Will Fries or weaken an opponent by tracking Trey Smith down.
To continue contending in the AFC North with the offensive firepower employed by Cincy and others. Marlon Humphrey was the third overall cornerback in Havoc ratings, but the next closest teammate, Nate Wiggins, is in a completely different class with a 72 Havoc. They have around $17 million, so they have some room to play with in the open markets, but the top corner targets might outsize their budget. Look for the Baltimore to add to their secondary through the draft.
Cincinnati Bengals
Top Units
1. QB (95.1 Threat)
2. LB (75.8 Havoc)
3. CB (75.1 Havoc)
Worst Units
1. TE (63.5 Threat)
2. DT (65.5 Havoc)
3. RB (67.9 Threat)
The free agency situation with the Bengals has been pretty obvious through this season. Both contract of Tee Higgins expired when the team didn’t make the postseason. With another wideout on the same team having just been coronated with the Receiver’s Triple Crown also eligible for an extension, Higgins might not be paid by his original team. The defense’s ineptitude must be addressed at its front door. Only one Cincy DL, Sam Hubbard, ranked inside the top 40 players at his position in Havoc. In addition to looking for a tight end to potentially replace Mike Gesicki, the annual tradition of the Bengals looking for offensive linemen under every couch cushion like spare change long forgotten. Despite having the #1 QB, #1 WR, and #9 WR in Threat, the big uglies up front were genuinely detestable.
Whatever free agent the Bengals are bound to land to replace Tee Higgins (or Ja’Marr Chase in two years) would be a probable downgrade, but an effort must be suggested. Depending on the Houston situation, Stefon Diggs, may be on the market for a cheaper price. He had a 79.1 Threat prior to going down with a knee injury. Keenan Allen’s ring chase may begin as he brings a 71.6 Threat to the table. Brandin Cooks could also serve as an additional alternative to the usual Bengal wideout. To fix their some of their defensive woes, they will probably have to turn to the draft being that the Good Lord only makes a handful of athletes that can plug gaps and pressure QBs through double teams, though it would behoove them to bring back either Sheldon Rankins or BJ Hill this offseason.
Cleveland Browns
Top Units
1. LB (78.4 Havoc)
2. QB (69.7 Threat)
3. S (68.7 Havoc)
Worst Units
1. RB (62.1 Threat)
2. WR (64.3 Threat)
3. TE (67.3 Threat)
Myles Garrett might not be the only one who wants out of Cleveland. A complete rebuild may be in order being that none of Cleveland’s potential returners serve the same purpose they once did. Jedrick Wills has one too many injuries for a left tackle. Nick Chubb is tragically over the hill. Jameis Winston will have a television job awaiting him whenever he’s thrown his last unadvised interception. Basically, the Browns need help everywhere as one of the lowest ranked rosters in the entire league just behind the Patriots. Kevin Stefanski and Andrew Berry will have a task on their hands, but ownership appears to be on their side.
There must be an offensive overhaul for Cleveland, but they will be eating the ridiculous contract of Deshaun Watson for at least two more years. They possess the #2 overall pick, and the future of their franchise depends on who they pick, so it’s really hard to believe that any valuable free agent would find themselves in Cleveland. The most interesting nab could be the veteran Zach Ertz to nibble at a foe while addressing one of their biggest weakenesses.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Top Units
1. DE (81.0 Havoc)
2. QB (78.5 Threat)
3. CB (76.3 Havoc)
Worst Units
1. WR (63.9 Threat)
2. TE (63.9 Threat)
3. DT (67.9 Havoc)
Death, taxes, and the Pittsburgh Steelers employing some of history’s most fearsome defenders. Cam Heyward and TJ Watt have led the charge for the post-Roethlisberger era, so the Pittsburgh offense has struggled mightily via poor play calling and personnel. Russell Wilson and George Pickens created a dangerous combination but received zero aid. The team has a history of nabbing wideouts in the draft, but a decent smattering of options including a divisional foe’s muse. Van Jefferson and Ben Skowronek dragged the average Threat rating of the wide receivers room below 60 Threat ratings.
If Pittsburgh really wants to spruce things up for the inevitable return of Russell Wilson, a splurge for Keenan Allen or Amari Cooper to settle some of the immaturity that sustains in the Steelers’ wide receiver room. They may test the waters with DJ Reed or even Rasul Douglas for help in their man-to-man defense.
NFC North
Chicago Bears
Top Units
1. CB (81.1 Havoc)
2. S (78.4 Havoc)
3. QB (77.9 Threat)
Worst Units
1. TE (63.7 Threat)
2. RB (63.9 Threat)
3. DT (65.4 Havoc)
Keenan Allen arrived to add veteran support to a young Bears team, but the results bristled early. The former Charger enters free agency as their leading receiver in Threat (71.6). Gerald Everettt’s low Threat rating could be replaced by a rookie being that his $7 million price tag is probably too rich. Zach Ertz can provide Caleb Williams a sure set of hands over the middle of the field if he walks from Washington. The worst kept secret in football might be that the former Chiefs executive wanted to pursue Trey Smith, the sixth rounder turned pancake machine, prior to his tagging, but some options may still be on the table in the form of Will Fries, Alex Cappa, and Joe Noteboom.
The drop off of the Chicago defense can be clearly marked after their Hail Mary loss to the Commanders, but they have some really strong pieces that make up an interesting unit for incoming defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. He will want GM Ryan Poles to look for a veteran up front with BJ Hill and DJ Jones off the market, the solution may be in the draft.
Detroit Lions
Top Units
1. S (92.8 Havoc)
2. QB (87.3 Threat)
3. CB (74.5 Havoc)
Worst Units
1. DT (62.5 Havoc)
2. DE (70.6 Havoc)
3. RB (70.8 Threat)
The Detroit defense became a large point of contention down the stretch of the season and eventually became their undoing against Washington. Carlton Davis enters free agency this year, but the announcement of Darius Slay’s release from Philly may reunite the vet with his old squad. Aidan Hutchinson’s injury sucked every drop off effectiveness frome the Lions’ defensive line as their interior graded out the lowest on the team. DeMarcus Lawrence and Charles Omenihu present intriguing opportunities to accompany Hutch even after Marcus Davenport departs. The Lions are considered contenders for the foreseeable future and $51 million to work with makes things easier.
Some people like the Lions as dark horse contenders for the services of Tee Higgins through a trade which would supercharge their offense and one of their weaker positions on the team (WR, 70.9 Threat, 4th-lowest), but they won’t access them without a trade now. Perhaps more effectively, Sebastian Joseph-Day may have a pretty price tag attached to his name, but his 71.7 rush Havoc would lead the Lions and fill John Cominsky’s void.
Green Bay Packers
Top Units
1. QB (79.0 Threat)
2. CB (77.6 Havoc)
3. LB (73.0 Havoc)
Worst Units
1. WR (64.4 Threat)
2. TE (65.7 Threat)
3. DT (65.7 Havoc)
The Packers were the youngest team in the playoffs for the second year in a row which may have hurt them the most in their wide receiver room. Some believe that the absence of a true #1 target damaged the consistency of Green Bay’s attack. Rumors during the combine sent DK Metcalf to Title Town, but nothing substantiated yet. Every receiver needy team should be interested in the idea of trading for Tee Higgins, but the situation is much more difficult now.
Zach Ertz is and has been productive into his 30s, so his signing to a young team could make sense LaFleur and Gutekunst are looking for such a trait. Both Corey Ballentine and Eric Stokes could march directly into free agency, so don’t be shocked if names like Darius Slay's is linked to joining Jeff Hafley’s defense, both also adding veteran leadership. They also have a number of offensive linemen set to hit the markets which is another position Green Bay has historically drafted well and will look to continue the tradition.
Minnesota Vikings
Top Units
1. QB (87.2 Threat)
2. CB (79.3 Havoc)
3. S (73.0)
Worst Units
1. RB (65.1 Threat)
2. DT (66.7 Havoc)
3. TE (68.0 Threat)
As I wrote this, the Vikings announced they wouldn’t be using their franchise tag on Sam Darnold, Kevin O’Connell’s reclamation project of 2024. He ranked 8th overall in Threat for quarterbacks in route to shocking the football world, but the succession plan of JJ McCarthy seems to be taking effect. The Vikings might look to build through the draft for some targets, with Justin Jefferson on the books and Jordan Addison sure to join him soon, but Tyler Conklin and Mo Alie-Cox serve as interesting thought experiments to help the Michigan Man. Other offensive pieces will have to situated like Aaron Jones’ future, but O’Connell and Adofo-Mensah’s presence was noted in Indianapolis.
If the Norse of the North would like to keep up one of their highmarks from the season, they must re-sign either Stephon Gilmore, Byron Murphy, or Shaquil Griffin (or most likely, a combination of two). Most teams this offseason will be looking for help on the interior of their DL, but the Vikings can dip their toes into the waters by examining players like Javon Kinlaw.
As we dive in, we look forward to the conversation, debate, and your feedback. Hit us up at @fieldvisionmi on X, @fieldvisionsports on Instagram, or on our website www.fieldvisionsports.com.
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