NFL: 32 Teams 32 Stories Part II: The AFC – Forecasts, Free Agents and Co.

With the Super Bowl in the rear view mirror, the focus is on the off-season – and initially on the Free Agency. Which storylines will accompany the teams in the short or medium term? What needs to be taken into account and what tasks have to be performed? SPOX looks at the 32 NFL teams at the start of the off-season. Part 2 deals with the AFC.

Disclaimer: We’ve packed the Offseason Preview for the 32 teams in two parts: Today you’ll find the teams of AFC, the already released NFC here.

The story: The showpiece of the Steelers is certainly the offense. And he gets a new offensive coordinator with Randy Fichtner. He succeeds Todd Haley to ensure that everyone is back on the same wavelength after the last atmospheric disturbances.

The forecast: Fichtner will keep the quality of the offensive high and improve the interpersonal climate. His big advantage: He was Ben Roethlisberger’s quarterback coach for years and gets along very well with him. The same could not be said about Haley and Big Ben, too often the QB accused his co-ordinator after weak public appearances. For additional peace of mind, Team and Bell will agree on a new contract this time without a franchise day.

Main Free Agent: Running Back Le’ Veon Bell

The story: After a mixed season, in which the playoffs were missed for their own fault, the Ravens are at a crossroads. On the one hand, they would need a few more key players to take the next step in their development. But the biggest obstacle is the manageable cap space. The Ravens now stand at just under 168 million dollars (top 51 salaries) – the 2018 cap is projected to be 178 million. There is not much room for manoeuvre.

The forecast: The front office will be creative and, in addition to a few cuts, will approach existing contracts. Quarterback Joe Flacco has the highest cap number of 24 million and could be persuaded to convert most of his 12 million base salary into a bonus. The same could also be done with Jimmy Smith, Brandon Williams and Marshal Yanda to make room for reinforcements.

Main Free Agent: Center Ryan Jensen

The story: For the second time in a row the Bengals missed the playoffs. This was mainly due to the lame offense, which never really kicked in. The main reason for this was undoubtedly the lack of protection for quarterback Andy Dalton. He collected 39 sacks – only five passers-by had more. The reason for this was the offensive line, which had been weakened by some notable exits.

The prognosis: The Bengals have reached the 12th place. Pick in the draft and thus have a good chance of a new offensive tackle, which can stabilise the O-Line for years to come. This should lay the foundation for a better future, which is still being shaped by Marvin Lewis.

Main Free Agent: Tight End Tyler Eifert

The story: There was nothing positive to report about the Browns – except maybe the resurrection of Wide Receiver Josh Gordon. Otherwise, Cleveland was sad. Again, the Browns didn’t make it from the spot, which was mainly due to a lack of top quarterback. So the big question for this off-season is: how do they solve this massive problem? And inextricably linked to this: How drastic is the change in strategy after another personnel change?

The prognosis: The Browns have the first and fourth pick in the draft. So you have free choice when it comes to the next franchise QB. They also have a lot of cap space and could enter aggressively into the race for a Kirk cousin. No matter which way they choose, they will sign up for a top quarterback and win games again. Also because the offensive and defensive line are already on a very good way.

Main Free Agent: Running Back Isaiah Crowell

Page 1: The AFC North

Page 2: The AFC East

Page 3: The AFC South

Page 4: The AFC West