AFC North Roundup: How Antonio Brown, Kareem Hunt and Joe Flacco impact the Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals have had quite the chaotic offseason of their own, but the AFC North and the drama surrounding the division may be even wilder.

That said, while the Bengals are in the midst of filling out their roster, let’s briefly look at the other AFC North teams and what they’ve been up to this offseason.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers finished second in the AFC North, barely missing the postseason. Their entire 2018 season revolved around the drama created by Le’Veon Bell’s holdout.

Now, while seemingly losing out on Bell, the Steelers have to find a new home for Antonio Brown. The superstar wide receiver has officially requested a trade.

No conflict just a matter of respect! Mutual respect! He has a owner mentality like he can call out anybody including coaches. Players know but they can’t say anything about it otherwise they meal ticket gone. It’s a dirty game within a game. #truth https://t.co/MsSyBVd3Ny

— Antonio Brown (@AB84) February 16, 2019

Brown, for the last few seasons, has been widely considered the league’s best receiver. After what he’s done to the Bengals, they should be feeling blessed that the 7x Pro Bowler wants out.

Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns might have made the most head-scratching decision of the offseason. They have signed Kareem Hunt, who was waived by the Chiefs after a career-ruining video broke of him kicking a woman that was already on the ground right before Kansas City’s playoff run began.

The move was a risky PR move for Cleveland. The decision to bring Hunt in was also surprising to many given that he’s facing a potential ten-game suspension.

Add on the fact that the Browns have Nick Chubb, one of the candidates for Offensive Rookie of the Year, and it seems even odder that the Browns made such the move. But, it is the Browns so nothing can surprise us anymore.

Baltimore Ravens

Last but not least is the Baltimore Ravens, who have subtly put all their chips in on Lamar Jackson. The Ravens will be trading their Super Bowl-winning quarterback Joe Flacco, who was benched during 2018 for Baltimore first-round draft pick.

Jackson led the Ravens to the playoffs but failed to deliver once they got there, throwing for under 200 yards and two touchdowns against the Chargers.

A new generation of quarterback is quickly coming to the surface in both Baltimore and Pittsburgh.