BALTIMORE RAVENS (11-7)
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: WR Torrey Smith, RB Justin Forsett, TE Owen Daniels, CB Antoine Cason, LS Morgan Cox, CB Danny Gorrer, DE Lawrence Guy, OLB Pernell McPhee, SS Jeromy Miles, G William Rackley, OT Jah Reid, CB Aaron Ross, SS Darian Stewart, QB Tyrod Taylor.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: K Justin Tucker, FS Will Hill, CB Anthony Levine, DL Christo Bilukidi.
NEEDS: The Ravens are determined to add to their thin defensive backfield, especially at cornerback, either through free agency, trade or the draft. They will also be looking for a tight end if they can’t retain Daniels; it’s uncertain whether tight end Dennis Pitta (hip injury) will play in 2015.
CINCINNATI BENGALS (10-6-1)
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: G Clint Boling, TE Kevin Brock, QB Jason Campbell, TE Jermaine Gresham, CB Chris Lewis-Harris, S Taylor Mays, OL Marshall Newhouse, CB Terence Newman, K Mike Nugent, RB Cedric Peerman, WR Dane Sanzenbacher, TE Alex Smith, WR Brandon Tate, OT Eric Winston.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DT Devon Still, LB Emmanuel Lamur.
NEEDS: Who will back up QB Andy Dalton? Fifth-round pick AJ McCarron missed the 2014 season because of a sore passing shoulder. Linebacker is a main area of concern. Rey Maualuga and MLB Vontaze Burfict were hurt last season. Burfict had knee surgery and several concussions, raising questions about his dependability. The defensive line also was a disappointment, with DT Geno Atkins struggling in his return from reconstructive knee surgery. The receiving group was hit hard by injuries, but Marvin Jones is expected back, giving them another deep threat. Gresham is a good run blocker but drops passes and runs sloppy routes. With TE Tyler Eifert coming off injuries, they have to decide whether to let Gresham leave.
CLEVELAND BROWNS (7-9)
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: QB Brian Hoyer, TE Jordan Cameron, WR Miles Austin, DL Ahtyba Rubin, LB Jabaal Sheard, CB Buster Skrine.
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: S Tashaun Gipson, S Johnson Bademosi, DL Ishmaai’ily Kitchen, LB Craig Robertson.
NEEDS: QB, WR, DE, TE. Owner Jimmy Haslam doesn’t expect the team to spend like it has in the past despite nearly $50 million in salary cap space. The never-ending pursuit of a franchise quarterback led them to sign veteran QB Josh McCown to a three-year deal, but it’s possible the Browns could add another veteran QB before the draft. Josh Gordon’s one-year suspension has created a bigger need for depth at wide receiver; the club is eyeing Brian Hartline and Ted Ginn Jr. Cleveland’s defensive front was ravaged by injuries last season, making the D-line another priority.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS (11-6)
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: LB Jason Worilds, LB James Harrison, CB Ike Taylor, CB Brice McCain, S Will Allen, WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, TE Matt Spaeth, RB Ben Tate, TE Michael Palmer, QB Bruce Gradkowski
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: FB Will Johnson, CB Antwon Blake, S Robert Golden.
NEEDS: The AFC North champions will have some serious work restocking at linebacker and in the secondary. The Steelers opted not to hit Worilds with a transition or franchise tag, leaving Jarvis Jones as the only outside linebacker on the roster with any real experience. Harrison was spectacular at times at age 36 but is unlikely to return. Taylor will likely not be tendered an offer; McCain may stick around after improving steadily last season. The Steelers could also be in the market at safety. Troy Polamalu has one year left on his current contract, but it’s unclear if he’ll return. Pittsburgh loved Moats’ versatility and will make a push to bring him back. It will be a very busy couple of months for GM Kevin Colbert, coach Mike Tomlin and recently promoted defensive coordinator Keith Butler.
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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL
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