In terms of day one of free agency, the Cleveland Browns were the only team not to miss out in the AFC North. Although they only made one move, the Browns took a stab at former Cincinnati Bengals guard Eric Steinbach, who many considered to be the best offensive lineman available. Steinbach will immediately attempt to improve a unit that was amongst the worst in the NFL last season. For Browns fans, that came as a surprise, because before last season, many insiders in the league felt that the Browns would catapult up to the tenth best line in football. Why would that be? In 2005, the Browns produced their first 1,000+ yard rusher in two decades behind an average-at-best line. When Cleveland added center LeCharles Bentley on the first day of free agency one year ago, a leader on the line was finally added. Unfortunately, Bentley suffered a possible career-ending injury on the team's first day of training camp, and the line was a mess the rest of the season. Cosey Coleman did a decent job at guard, but the other guard, Joe Andruzzi, was pitiful. Newcomer Kevin Shaffer played the tackle position well, but Ryan Tucker had personal problems that affected him most of the season. Week after week, quarterbacks Charlie Frye or Derek Anderson would be on their backs more times than now, and Reuben Droughns would be contacted at the line of scrimmage.

This year, barring injuries, the Browns are attempting to re-package the line. They re-signed center Hank Fraley just before the start of free agency, after he filled in exceptionally well for Bentley last season. They've already added a top-notch guard, and will probably try to add another offensive lineman in the draft to replace either Tucker or Andruzzi. The Browns should also still have around $20 million in cap room remaining.

Meanwhile, although the Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, and Pittsburgh Steelers certainly have more depth than the Browns do, none of the three teams benefited on the first day of free agency. The Ravens took the biggest hit, losing fullback Ovie Mughelli to the Baltimore Ravens, right tackle Tony Pashos to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and presumably linebacker Adalius Thomas to the New England Patriots. The Ravens also made a reportedly lowball offer to running back Jamal Lewis, whom they still have an interest in bringing back. Although Lewis hasn't been as productive in recent years, losing your top running back and a top-notch blocking fullback can have a devastating effect on Baltimore's running game. Thomas was the most coveted defensive player in free agency, but thankfully for the Ravens, they are extremely strong on that side of the ball.

The Bengals re-signed running back Kenny Watson this morning, but obviously lost Steinbach to the Browns. The Bengals have a solid offensive line though, but there were signs of a lack of continuity last year for the unit, and there may be some concern as to how much the team will miss their guard. Cutting linebacker Brian Simmons came as a big surprise, considering he was one of the few defensive standouts on the team's roster. The Bengals have a ton of work to do with all areas of their defense, and they haven't been able to make a big signing yet.

Meanwhile, the Steelers did not take too much of a loss, and have already signed backup running back Najeh Davenport to a new deal. The Steelers' surprising move came when they released linebacker Joey Porter. A rivalry in the AFC North could leapfrog next season, because with all of the emotional lifts that Porter can bring to a defensive unit, the Browns and the Bengals are already taking an adequate interest in him. If Porter signs with the Browns, chances are that him and Kellen Winslow will become a little bit friendlier with each other.