With most of the top NFL free agents signed, rosters are starting to take shape for the 2026 season. So let’s take a look at the best and worst moves of the offseason around the AFC North, as well as one player still available who each team should try to acquire.
Best signing: Edge Trey Hendrickson (four years, $112 million) | After initially having a deal in place for Maxx Crosby, the Ravens backed out of that trade and instead went the free-agent route and brought in Hendrickson on a long-term deal. It might end up being the better move. Hendrickson has some injury and age concerns, but it did not cost them two first-round draft picks to acquire him and it actually comes in cheaper against the salary cap than Crosby would have. The Ravens badly needed to improve their pass rush, and Hendrickson is a big move toward that.
Worst signing: G John Simpson (three years, $30 million) | The interior of the Ravens offensive line is a big concern, especially after losing center Tyler Linderbaum in free agency. To help fix that, they brought back Simpson, a former longtime starter with the team, to play one of the guard spots. Simpson is a highly penalized player who might not move the needle as much as the Ravens need him to.
One more to target: C Lloyd Cushenberry | Cushenberry is coming off a shoulder injury that helped set the wheels in motion for his release from the Tennessee Titans, but he should be ready to go for the start of training camp. He has experience at both center and guard and could help solidify the depth at a big position of need.
Best signing: Edge Boye Mafe (three years, $60 million) | Even before losing Hendrickson to free agency, the Bengals needed to do something to fix their defense. The departure of Hendrickson only added to that and created an even bigger need for pass-rushing help. The additions of Mafe and Jonathan Allen will help, with Mafe being the one that should make the biggest impact, especially when it comes to getting after the quarterback.
Worst signing: QB Josh Johnson | It might not seem like a huge move in the grand scheme of things, but backup quarterbacks are important, and given the number of games Joe Burrow misses, the Bengals need to have somebody they can count on as a backup. Johnson has been around forever and played for nearly half of the league at one time or another, but he has not really produced much in his limited opportunities. If they have to turn to him at any point, it could become a problem.
One more to target: LB Bobby Okereke | While the Bengals have made some big additions to their defense with Mafe, Allen and safety Bryan Cook, another linebacker would be a welcome addition to the middle of the defense. Okereke is not a star, but he is a capable veteran who has a nose for the football and could bring some much-needed depth to the defense.
Best signing: OL Elgton Jenkins (two years, $24 million | Jenkins is a fantastic pickup because he has the versatility to play all over the offensive line and is a two-time Pro Bowl player. An injury cut his 2025 season short, and that may have helped the Browns get him at such a good price.
Worst signing: G Zion Johnson (three years, $49.5 million) | The Browns needed to do a lot of work to improve their offensive line this offseason, and they made a lot of moves in an effort to do so. Some might work out better than others. Johnson is coming over from a Los Angeles Chargers team that had some of the worst offensive line play in the league this past season. He is a strong run-blocker, but his pass-protection leaves a lot to be desired and the Browns paid him a significant amount of money when better, cheaper options could have been available.
One more to target: WR Jauan Jennings | Wide receiver is a huge need for the Browns, and with two first-round picks they have a great opportunity to address it early in the draft. But they could still use more veteran help. Jennings is one of the top players still available, but there is some risk given his potential contract demands and whether or not he can perform outside of Kyle Shanahan’s system. But he would give the Browns another potential playmaker they badly need.
Best signing: WR Michael Pittman (trade with Indianapolis Colts) | Technically speaking this is not a free-agent signing, but it is still the Steelers’ biggest and best move of the offseason so far. It is also one of the most necessary. The Steelers have needed a reliable No. 2 wide receiver for three years now, and Pittman should be a great complement to DK Metcalf in that role.
Worst signing: TBD | Honestly, it has not happened yet, but is likely to still happen when they sign quarterback Aaron Rodgers for another year. The Steelers already saw what the Aaron Rodgers experience looks like. It is not good enough. It is not likely to get better with Rodgers being another year older. This will be a mistake when it happens.
One more to target: OL Taylor Decker | With left tackle Broderick Jones having some uncertainty around him for the 2026 season, left tackle could and offensive tackle depth in general could be a huge issue for the Steelers. Decker is a proven veteran that could bring a lot of much-needed stability.
This content was brought to you by: Yardbarker: NFL
