Fortunately For The Steelers, The Ravens And Bengals Suffer Massive Losses During First Days Of Free Agency

The 2023 free agency period has been solid for the Pittsburgh Steelers thus far. However, the same cannot be said for both the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals. Both teams have lost players who played crucial roles in their success during the 2022 season and have failed to add any serious names, apart from the Bengals just recently signing offensive tackle, Orlando Brown. 

Big Names Lost For Both The Bengals And The Ravens, Good News For The Steelers

Perhaps the biggest offseason storyline for the entire AFC North is the ongoing saga of Ravens quarterback, Lamar Jackson. Until the Ravens figure out their exact plans for Jackson moving forward, many potential free agent candidates could be hesitant about joining a team with such major questions regarding the quarterback position. For the Bengals, the main reason why they have been relatively quiet may have to do with the impending contract extension of their superstar QB, Joe Burrow, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract. 

Bengals' Free Agency

While there is not an exact projection of what a contract extension for Burrow would look like, a recent article in Sports Illustrated estimated that the Bengals will offer him an eight-year contract worth upwards of $400 million. Yes, you read that correctly. $400 million. Negotiating a contract of this magnitude is inevitably holding up many free agent deals for Cincinnati and has allowed former players such as Jessie Bates III, Vonn Bell, Samaje Perine and Hayden Hurst to sign with new teams. 

The Bengals did, however, find their blindside protector for Burrow after inking Orlando Brown to a reported four-year, $64 million contract. Interestingly enough, the Steelers were also in play for Brown. Now, he will have the opportunity to play against the Steelers twice a year. 

The addition of Brown to the Bengals' offense will certainly help, but Cincinnati has a lot of questions that need to be answered before the 2023 season begins. When and if they do agree to a contract extension this offseason with Burrow, the Bengals must also address their situation with star wide receiver, Tee Higgins,  who is also entering the final year of his rookie deal. Higgins has been the subject of many potential trade scenarios this offseason due to the Bengals simply not having enough cap space to extend him. 

There is no denying how talented of a player Higgins is, but with the impending massive contract that fellow wide receiver, Ja'Marr Chase will command within the next two years, the Bengals may have to consider dumping Higgins to ensure they keep Chase a Bengal for life. 

Ravens' Free Agency

The Lamar Jackson situation has taken a serious toll on the Ravens' offseason moves. Thus far, the only players they have re-signed have been backup cornerback, Trayvon Mullen, seldom-used running back, Justice Hill and safety Geno Stone. More importantly, they saw their staring guard, Ben Powers, ink a deal with the Denver Broncos. A very substantial loss for a team who is so dependent on running the football. Tight end, Josh Oliver, will also play on a new team in 2023 after signing an impressive three-year, $21 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings.

The Ravens have a plethora of needs at multiple positions, most notably at wide receiver, running back, and linebacker. While the team has done notoriously well in building their team through the NFL draft, (except for drafting wide receivers) the team would still benefit significantly from adding veterans via the free agency market. 

However, they are handcuffed by the contract situation of Lamar Jackson. What wide receiver would want to sign with the Ravens without knowing who will be throwing the passes? As long as the standoff between Jackson and the Ravens continues, the team will struggle tremendously in attracting top talent in free agency.  

An equally concerning issue for Baltimore has to do with the strife between players on the roster and the front office. Recently, wide receiver Rashod Bateman responded to a comment made by the Ravens' General Manager, Eric DeCosta, regarding their inability to draft quality wide receivers. The response can be found below. 

How Does This Impact The Steelers? 

While the Bengals struggle to keep their core players and the Ravens go back and forth with their quarterback, the Steelers continue to build. The Steelers were able to bring in key veterans this offseason such as Patrick Peterson, Nate Herbig, Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts. They were also able to bring back Larry Ogunjobi and Damontae Kazee. Crucial moves for a team that is poised to ascend to the top of the AFC North in 2023. 

Alright, Steeler Nation. How does the strong offseason for the Steelers thus far and a poor one for the Bengals and Ravens make you feel? Are you confident in the Steelers to win the AFC North in 2023? Let's hear it in the comments! 

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