We conclude our survey of the 2023 free agency landscape with the AFC North, where a couple of quarterbacks and a few former New Orleans Saints players could make sense given the right situation.
Previous entries in this series have cataloged AFC East, AFC West, and AFC South, as well as NFC North, NFC East, and NFC West. It’s given us a good idea of what players might be available soon, and what areas the Saints might be able to address in Free Hand next month. For now, however, let’s focus our attention directly on the teams from the AFC North:
Cincinnati Bengals S Vonn Bell
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Bell has developed into even better all-around security than he did in New Orleans, so it’s hard to imagine the Saints putting a third veteran free-agent contract on the books. But you never know Bell knows Dennis Allen’s system inside out and he would be a quality addition to a runner-up who just barely made ends meet at times last season.
Other notable free agents:
S Jessie Bates III
LB Jermaine Pratt
TE Hayden Hurst
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CB Eli Apple
Baltimore Ravens WR Demarcus Robinson
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Robinson enjoyed the best year of his career by catching 50 for 507 yards after signing with Baltimore, so pulling him away could be difficult. But he’d fit well in New Orleans as the 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 him up, but let’s face it: he’s not going.
Other notable free agents:
QB Lamar Jackson
LG Ben Powers
CB Marcus Peters
EN Justin Houston
Pittsburgh Steelers DT Larry Ogunjobi
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Ogunjobi has had a productive year for Pittsburgh alongside Cameron Heyward, and he will test the free hand 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.
The story goes on
Other notable free agents:
CB Cameron Sutton
S Terrell Edmunds
LB Devin Busch
TE Zach Gentry
Cleveland Browns QB Jacoby Brissett
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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 few different systems, and that spot starter role is something he’s done well in the past.
Other notable free agents:
DT Taven Bryan
RB Kareem Chase
S Ronnie Harrison
EN Jadeveon Clowney
Story originally appeared on Saints Wire
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