Halfway between the start of free agency (Feb. 29) and the NFL Draft (April 26-27), the Ravens have remained generally quiet, choosing to spend money on in-house signings instead of acquiring high-priced additions.
By assigning the franchise tag to linebacker Terrell Suggs, Baltimore allotted extra time to hammer out a long-term contract for one of the league's most promising young defenders.
The Ravens kept restricted free agent Jason Brown, a candidate to take over the open starting center position. Fullback Justin Green, long snapper Matt Katula and defensive tackle Amon Gordon are the other restricted free agents retained.
Outside additions included two-time Pro Bowl special teams performer Brendan Ayanbadejo (formerly of the Chicago Bears), cornerback Frank Walker (Green Bay Packers) and journeyman kicker E.J. Cochrane.
Where the Ravens basically maintained the status quo - at least up to this point - their AFC North rivals were active in the first month of free agency. BR.com takes a look at free agency moves from around the division: Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers certainly haven't made any splashes in the free agent market, producing the most noise by offering quarterback Ben Roethlisberger a contract extension worth a reported $102 million over eight years.
Their biggest signing from another club would have to be center Justin Hartwig, a former starter for the Carolina Panthers. Hartwig will be looked upon to fill the void left by retired center Jeff Hartings and perhaps ease some of the burden of Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca's exodus to the New York Jets.
The Steelers also nabbed running back and return specialist Mewelde Moore, who has started games for the Minnesota Vikings in the past.
Also added or retained by Pittsburgh through veteran free agency: Offensive tackle Trai Essex (Steelers), linebacker Keyaron Fox (Kansas City Chiefs), defensive end Andre Frazier (Steelers), guard Chris Kemoeatu (Steelers), and defensive end Travis Kirschke (Steelers).
Cleveland Browns
Behind the moves of general manager - and former Ravens director of player personnel - Phil Savage, Cleveland has been one of free agency's biggest players.
Perhaps most importantly, the Browns signed restricted free agent quarterback Derek Anderson to a long-term contract after a Pro Bowl campaign last season. Savage also kept a rejuvenated Jamal Lewis, who was an unrestricted free agent, by offering a big payday.
Anderson got a new weapon with ex-New England Patriot Donte Stallworth, while the defense was bolstered by trades for tackles Corey Williams and Shaun Rogers.
Also added or retained by Cleveland through veteran free agency: Cornerback Gary Baxter (Browns), guard Lennie Friedman (Browns), center Rex Hadnot (Miami Dolphins), linebacker Shantee Orr (Jacksonville Jaguars), and safety Nick Sorensen (Browns).
Cincinnati Bengals
Like the Ravens, Cincinnati opted to use its franchise tag on a promising young player. Stacy Andrews, 26, came into his own as a tackle last season after beginning his career at guard. The Bengals hope he can anchor their line by eventually working out a new deal for the 6-foot-7, 342-pounder.
Outside additions included defensive end Antwan Odom, who finished second on the Tennessee Titans last year with eight sacks, and tight end Ben Utecht, a former college free agent out of Minnesota that blossomed for the Indianapolis Colts.
Also added or retained by Cincinnati through veteran free agency: Linebacker Darryl Blackstock (Arizona Cardinals), wideout Antonio Chatman (Bengals), defensive end Jonathan Fanene (Bengals), linebacker Dhani Jones (Bengals), and punter Kyle Larson (Bengals).
