2013 AFC North team needs: Bengals, Browns have money to burn

There’s a new owner, a new front office and a new coaching staff, and word is that neither is a big believer in Weeden’s ability to lead the team going forward. They also are switching up the defense and will be going with a 3-4 scheme in 2013, making their offseason “To Do” list grow exponentially.

Parker-Thomas is set to be a free agent in March, and is 35 years old, so the Browns clearly need to get someone opposite Sheard.

The Bengals used the franchise tag for defensive end Michael Johnson, after he recorded a career-best 11.5 sacks in the final year of his rookie contract. Tagging Johnson means right tackle Andre Smith is free to seek out a hefty deal in free agency. Cincinnati will need to find a replacement.

The Bengals will likely try to re-sign Thomas Howard for the WILL position and move Burfict to MIKE, letting Maualuga go. That leaves them with a need at SAM where the team needs to upgrade from Lawson. Most mock drafts have them either looking at Georgia’s Alec Ogletree or Kansas State’s Arthur Brown.

One could argue that these problems began in the offseason.

They brought in Todd Haley to be the offensive coordinator with intention that it would open up the passing attack. However, it led to an identity crisis that was reflected throughout the season. They did not field the same cohesive attack fans were accustomed to.

Baltimore has a number of key free agents and not enough salary cap space to keep them all. As a result, the Ravens’ front office will have its work cut out this offseason.

Inside linebacker being the biggest priority now that the Ravens have locked up Joe Flacco to a long-term deal, a deal that also eases the cap hit considerably compared to what the franchise tag would have cost.