Which team in the AFC North improved the most through free agency?

Jeremy Fowler, Steelers reporter: The Cleveland Browns have nowhere to go but up -- as in picking their quarterbacks up from the cold turf. Cleveland’s offensive line allowed 4.1 sacks per game, which led the league by one full sack. As a result, the Browns did the sensible thing with their exorbitant cap space and bolstered the interior line. Guard Kevin Zeitler and center JC Tretter signed contracts worth nearly $18 million per year combined, which is necessary money spent, considering the positional woes. Guard Joel Bitonio got a well-deserved extension too. With the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals staying relatively quiet in free agency, the Browns had no choice but to improve, and they did.

Jamison Hensley, Ravens reporter: The Ravens, by default. The Steelers have been the typical, patient Steelers in free agency. The Bengals watched a huge chunk of their leadership core go elsewhere. The Browns still don't have a quarterback. This leaves the Ravens, who have had one of their most aggressive starts to free agency in recent years. Baltimore retained the top free agent in ESPN's rankings (nose tackle Brandon Williams) and signed the best available safety (Tony Jefferson), a durable No. 2 cornerback (Brandon Carr) and a playmaking running back (Danny Woodhead). There's no argument that the Ravens are the most improved. But have they improved enough to overtake the Steelers for the AFC North crown? The Ravens probably have to address their needs at wide receiver, right tackle, pass-rusher and inside linebacker before they can make that claim.

Pat McManamon, Browns reporter: It would be nice to say the Browns, given the emphasis they gave the offensive line, but Baltimore's defense should take major strides forward with Brandon Williams returning and the additions of Tony Jefferson and Brandon Carr. The Ravens strengthened the secondary and kept one of their important players. A defensive collapse in the final five weeks of the 2016 season cost Baltimore a playoff spot. General manager Ozzie Newsome has taken moves to ensure that does not repeat in 2017.

Katherine Terrell, Bengals reporter: The Ravens quietly made some big moves at the beginning of free agency, signing former Cardinals safety Tony Jefferson and re-signing nose tackle Brandon Williams to a five-year, $54 million contract. Signing Williams, ESPN's top-ranked free agent, was a priority for the Ravens and keeps their defense intact. In the physical AFC North, defense rules, and the Ravens' moves in that department definitely will benefit them. That could particularly help them against their division rivals.