The AFC North is one of, if not, the most toughest divisions in the NFL. Three teams in this division made it to the postseason last year. The Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens have made a ton of improvements this offseason, while the Pittsburgh Steelers might experience a setback. On the other hand, the Cincinnati Bengals will likely struggle, but the front office has put together a nice foundation to build upon.
The Super Bowl is the ultimate goal, and each of these NFL franchises could make do with even more upgrades. For the Browns and Ravens, trading for a star player would likely put their rosters over the top. An additional star in Pittsburgh would make the Steelers much more competitive, and the Bengals could use a veteran leader to help their defense.
There is still plenty of time between now and the 2021 NFL season. A handful of players are rumored to be on the trade block right now, so we could see some big names moving to new teams this summer. With that said, here is one star each team in the AFC North must trade for before the start of the campaign.
Cleveland Browns: Trade for Jaylon Smith
It's safe to say the Cleveland Brown has made a ton of improvements to their roster. The defense stacks up to be one of the best in the NFL next year, and there are high hopes the offense can maintain consistency as well. Cleveland doesn't lack star power, but adding one more big name to the defense would put them over the top.
In comes Jaylon Smith from the Dallas Cowboys. He's been a consistent linebacker in Dallas since his rookie season in the NFL, and has totaled over 120 tackles three years in a row. The Browns' defense is already strong, but bringing in a tackle machine like Smith would make this team impossible to run against. Although he doesn't help much in pass protection, Smith would be a shining star on the Browns defense anyway. The front seven would suddenly become the best in the NFL if it isn't already.
Baltimore Ravens: Trade for Allen Robinson
The Baltimore Ravens brought in a few new wide receivers to the roster, but they could use a superstar-caliber player in that position. Marquise Brown hasn't lived up to expectations and Sammy Watkins is more of a second or third option target. The front office and coaching staff has high expectations for rookie Rashod Bateman.
Even with the new receiving core, there is no guarantee it works out. Allen Robinson is a proven receiver who is considered to be one of the best in the NFL. There would be no question he would thrive in this offense, as he'd quickly become Lamar Jackson's favorite target. The Chicago Bears don't seem keen on trading him right now, so it might take quite a bit to acquire Robinson. If that's the case, Baltimore would be overpaying, but it might be worth it if it brings them a Super Bowl.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Trade for Stephon Gilmore
The Pittsburgh Steelers have lost quite a bit of talent this offseason, especially in the secondary. However, that problem could be fixed with a simple trade. It'll be interesting to see how this team does in 2021, as this franchise is inching closer to a new era without Ben Roethlisberger. However, the offense has a ton of young talent to build around, so the front office should consider finding an elite cornerback to help make a case for a playoff push in the NFL this season.
The New England Patriots have been rumored to trade Stephone Gilmore throughout the offseason. Nothing has come to fruition yet, but if the Steelers feel they need help in the secondary, they could make an offer the Patriots can't refuse. Gilmore would easily become the top cornerback in Pittsburgh, offering a balanced defense. With TJ Watt and the front seven still as strong as ever, Gilmore improves the pass coverage that could keep the Steelers in the playoff hunt down the stretch in the 2021 NFL season.
Cincinnati Bengals: Trade for Jordan Hicks
The Cincinnati Bengals are far from making the playoffs, but they're on the right track to get there in a few years. Cincinnati's offense is the most exciting aspect of the roster, as Joe Burrow has a plethora of weapons at his disposal. The offensive line needs some work, but they are improved based on last year. With the defense the weakest area on this team, the front office should make a move for a consistent linebacker.
Jordan Hicks has been on the block since the 2021 NFL Draft after the Arizona Cardinals selected Zaven Collins in the first round this year. The Cardinals defense is shaping up to become a young talented group, and Hicks might not be needed anymore. If the Bengals acquired him, Hicks would easily become a focal point of their defense and offer a veteran presence the roster needs within the front seven.
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