During this year’s free agency cycle and 2026 NFL draft, all four AFC North teams made significant moves to add talent to their rosters. While more additions are still possible over the next few months, everyone’s core players are mostly set ahead of the 2026 season.
How do the different positional groups in the division stack up to one another? Let’s rank the AFC North squads by position, starting with quarterback.
1. Baltimore Ravens
Starter: Lamar Jackson
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Depth: Tyler Huntley, Skylar Thompson, Diego Pavia, Joey Fagnano
Jackson is coming off a disappointing 2025 season that was muddied by nagging injuries, which limited his athleticism for much of the year. He started to round more into form over the final few games, but the Ravens fell just short of the postseason. In a new offensive system surrounded by fresh personnel and coaches, Jackson should be primed for a big bounce back in 2026. The Ravens re-signed Huntley, who is the most optimal backup to Jackson, to a two-year deal this offseason. Huntley is one of the better second-stringers in the league. They added competition for the No. 3 spot with a veteran in Thompson and two undrafted free agent rookies.
2. Cincinnati Bengals
Starter: Joe Burrow
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Depth: Joe Flacco, Josh Johnson, Sean Clifford
Burrow played in only eight games last season but again produced at a high level and led a potent Bengals’ offensive attack. Like Jackson, Burrow is still undoubtedly one of the premier quarterbacks in the NFL despite injury struggles and not making the playoffs again in 2025. The Bengals re-signed Flacco to return as Burrow’s backup after he joined the team in the middle of the season last year. Flacco performed admirably and is still a quality veteran backup and spot-starter at 41 years old. Journeyman Josh Johnson was signed to a one-year contract earlier this offseason as well, who is a capable third-string quarterback.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
Starter: Aaron Rodgers
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Depth: Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, Drew Allar
After a long wait this spring, the Steelers wound up re-signing Aaron Rodgers to return for what will be his final NFL season. Rodgers, now 42 years old, was still probably the best option available for the Steelers. He finished middle-of-the-pack in most statistical categories among starting quarterbacks last season, but should have an improved offensive ecosystem around him in 2026. The Steelers also made a high-profile move in the draft by acquiring Penn State’s Drew Allar in the third round, who has the potential to develop into a starter-caliber quarterback. Mason Rudolph and rising sophomore Will Howard provide quality depth behind Rodgers.
4. Cleveland Browns
Starter: Deshaun Watson
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Depth: Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, Taylen Green
The Browns’ quarterback room is once again a bit of a jumbled mess, clouded by the return of the highly paid Deshaun Watson. Watson is a true wild card having not played since the middle of the 2024 season. He’s played only 19 games for the Browns since 2022 and his on-field performance has left much to be desired. Shedeur Sanders is competing with Watson for the starting role. Sanders has more long-term upside than Watson at this point but had a very shaky rookie season. Fellow rising sophomore Dillon Gabriel appears firmly in third pecking order spot after starting games last year.
