AFC North Enters 2026 Transition Year Amid Coaching Swaps and Roster Shifts

The AFC North begins 2026 with head coaches Jesse Minter (Ravens), Todd Monken (Browns) and Mike McCarthy (Steelers). Cincinnati stays under Zac Taylor but loses Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. Cleveland replaces Garrett with Jared Verse and adds receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston. Baltimore signs Trey Hendrickson to a $112 million deal. Pittsburgh revamps its secondary with Jamel Dean, Jaquan Brisker, Daylen Everette and re-signs safety DeShon Elliott.

Ravens' Lamar Jackson could be winner of AFC North's 'transition year'

Garrett’s trade ends a decade in Cleveland; he left after 125.5 sacks and a 2017 No. 1 pick. The Ravens rank third-most in fourth-quarter points allowed and sit at 3-6 in the playoffs. The Bengals posted four losses to non-playoff teams in 2025, including a home defeat to the 3-14 Jets. The Steelers allowed a league-worst 278.3 passing yards per game in the first half of 2025.

Ravens' Lamar Jackson could be winner of AFC North's 'transition year'

• Bengals projected to win 14 of 17 games (FPI).

ESPN

• Ravens rank third-most in fourth-quarter points allowed over six seasons.

ESPN

• Steelers reduced passing yards allowed from 278.3 to 244.9 per game and points from 24.4 to 23.2 by season’s end.

ESPN

• Browns posted the league’s lowest QBR in 2025.

Ravens' Lamar Jackson could be winner of AFC North's 'transition year'

GM Eric DeCosta called Minter a “problem solver.” Monken said the Browns will decide their starter after training camp, noting Watson’s athleticism and Sanders’ footwork. McCarthy highlighted his record developing quarterbacks for Drew Allar and Will Howard while backing Aaron Rodgers. Defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg inherited a unit with elite talent despite Garrett’s exit.

ESPN

Analysts doubt the Browns’ quarterback decision and warn that losing Garrett weakens Cleveland’s defense. Steelers’ early-season defensive lapses, shown by high points and passing yards allowed, remain a concern despite improvement. The Ravens’ reliance on a new edge rusher may not replace the familiarity of facing Garrett.

Ravens' Lamar Jackson could be winner of AFC North's 'transition year'

If each team meets its projections, the AFC North could be decided by a New Year’s Eve showdown in Cincinnati, potentially determining the conference’s No. 1 seed. Baltimore’s four-game divisional stretch—Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh—could magnify momentum swings and affect playoff positioning.

ESPN

Cleveland has not announced whether Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders will start, leaving the quarterback decision open. The Ravens have offered no comment on Jackson’s contract status, despite speculation about a potential extension.

ESPN

The Ravens open with a divisional run; the Browns will decide their starter in training camp; the Steelers aim to solidify their secondary before the season’s second half. All will watch the Bengals’ FPI expectations as the race unfolds.

ESPN

• “We’re expecting to win every game we set foot on the field.” — Joe Burrow, Bengals quarterback

ESPN

• “It’s a transition year for the division, I would say.” — Jesse Minter, Ravens head coach

ESPN

• “Be your best when your best is needed.” — Jesse Minter, team theme

ESPN

• “I was like, ‘Yes! I don’t have to see him!’” — Lamar Jackson, Ravens quarterback

Ravens' Lamar Jackson could be winner of AFC North's 'transition year'