Here is the latest on the Ravens' AFC North rivals as free agency begins:
Pittsburgh Steelers: Michael Pittman Jr. Acquired in Trade With Colts
The Steelers have added another wide receiver target to line up opposite DK Metcalf.
Pittsburgh acquired Michael Pittman Jr. in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts and gave him a three-year, $59 million extension, according to multiple reports.
According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, the Steelers will send a late-round draft pick to the Colts.
The Colts moved Pittman after they reached a new agreement with No. 1 wide receiver Alec Pierce that reportedly will make him the highest-paid receiver in league history, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Pittman has spent his entire six-year career with the Colts and has two 1000-yard seasons. Last season, he had 80 catches for 784 yards and a career-high seven touchdowns. Adding another target to take pressure off Metcalf, who had 59 catches for 850 yards and six touchdowns in his first season with Pittsburgh, was on the Steelers' off-season to-do list.
In another move, the Steelers and cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. have agreed to a one-year deal worth $4 million, according to Rapoport.
Samuel played six games for Pittsburgh in 2025, making his return to the NFL after recovering from spinal fusion surgery. The 26-year-old Samuel is a former second-round pick who spent four seasons (2021-2024) with the Los Angeles Chargers before becoming a free agent. During his time with the Chargers, Samuel had six interceptions, 176 tackles, and one fumble recovery as a starter in their secondary.
With 10 tackles and one interception last season for Pittsburgh down the stretch, Samuel showed glimpses of returning to top form. Samuel could be a starter for the Steelers in 2026 opposite No. 1 cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Flacco May Return After Exploring Free Agency
At age 41, Joe Flacco still believes he can start and plans to test free agency. However, if he can't find a team where he can compete for a starting job, Flacco will strongly consider returning to Cincinnati, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Flacco, the former Raven who led Baltimore to a Super Bowl victory, proved he could still sling it with the Bengals last year. Making six starts while Joe Burrow was injured, Flacco completed 61.7% of his passes for 1,664 yards, 13 touchdowns, and four interceptions. Flacco was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career and has expressed his desire to continue playing.
If Flacco doesn't find a situation that offers a chance to start, returning to Cincinnati looks like his backup plan.
Cleveland Browns: Free Agent Guard Chris Paul Could Be a Target
The Browns plan to rebuild their offensive line this offseason and may continue that process by targeting a guard in free agency.
The Browns are expected to pursue free agent Chris Paul, via Breer. Paul started 15 games for the Washington Commanders at left guard in 2025 and has positioned himself nicely for a new contract.
"[Paul] appears to have priced himself out of Washington with teams like Cleveland in hot pursuit," Breer wrote. "Paul became a full-time starter for the first time three weeks into his fourth pro season and is trending to one of those 'He got what?!' sorts of deals."
Last week, the Browns reportedly traded for former Houston Texans offensive tackle Tytus Howard and signed him to a two-year, $45 million extension.
Cleveland is revamping its offensive line under first-year Head Coach Todd Monken. Free agent right guard Wyatt Teller has already announced that he will not return to Cleveland in 2026, while left guard Joel Bitonio is contemplating retirement.
