We’re wrapping up our survey of the 2023 free agency landscape with the AFC North, where a couple of quarterbacks and some former New Orleans Saints players might make sense if the right situation presents itself.
Previous entries in this series have catalogued the AFC East, AFC West, and AFC South as well as the NFC North, NFC East, and NFC West. It’s given us a good idea of which players could soon be available and what areas the Saints may be able to address in free agency next month. For now, though, we’re keeping our attention focused squarely on the teams hailing from the AFC North:
Cincinnati Bengals S Vonn Bell
Bell has developed into an even better all-around safety than he was in New Orleans, so it’s tough to see the Saints fitting a third veteran free agent contract on the books. But you never know. Bell knows Dennis Allen’s system inside and out, and he’d be a quality addition to a secondary that just barely got by at times last season.
Other free agents of note:
- S Jessie Bates III
- LB Jermaine Pratt
- TE Hayden Hurst
- CB Eli Apple
Baltimore Ravens WR Demarcus Robinson
Robinson enjoyed the best year of his career by posting 50 catches for 507 receiving yards after signing with Baltimore, so it may be tough pulling him away. But he’d be a good fit in New Orleans as a No. 2 receiver with a big catch radius, and he shouldn’t be as expensive as other better-established free agents on the open market. Lamar Jackson would obviously be the ideal Ravens free agent to pick up, but let’s be real: he isn’t leaving.
Other free agents of note:
- QB Lamar Jackson
- LG Ben Powers
- CB Marcus Peters
- DE Justin Houston
Pittsburgh Steelers DT Larry Ogunjobi
Ogunjobi enjoyed a productive year next to Cameron Heyward for Pittsburgh, and he’s set to test free agency again as one of the better defensive tackles available. He’s a solid pass rusher inside who can beat guards with a very quick first step.
Other free agents of note:
- CB Cameron Sutton
- S Terrell Edmunds
- LB Devin Bush
- TE Zach Gentry
Cleveland Browns QB Jacoby Brissett
Brissett is an ideal veteran quarterback who could be a bridge to start until a rookie passer is up to speed. He’s seen it all in the NFL and had modest success in a couple of different systems, and this role as a spot starter is something he’s done well in the past.
Other free agents of note:
- DT Taven Bryan
- RB Kareem Hunt
- S Ronnie Harrison
- DE Jadeveon Clowney
