AFC North unanswered questions: Lamar Jackson's contract looms for Ravens

Teams have a much clearer picture of where they stand now that free agency and the NFL Draft are in the rearview mirror. That doesn't mean every question has been answered.

As  teams continue preparing for training camp in late July, each still faces a key unknown — one that could determine whether it reaches its  ceiling this season, whether that's winning the Super Bowl or simply  improving on its 2025 record.

With that in mind, let's examine the biggest unanswered question facing each team in the AFC North.

Baltimore Ravens | Lamar Jackson's contract remains Ravens biggest pressing issue

The last time the Ravens tried to work out a new contract with their franchise quarterback, it was a tumultuous and chaotic series of events that included a trade request, Jackson asking for a fully guaranteed deal and the two sides finally bridging the gap and agreeing to a long-term deal.

With two years left on that contract, which also includes a no-franchise-tag clause when it expires, the Ravens are looking to get a new deal done sooner rather than later. 

So far, it has not been completed. 

It seems unlikely that the Ravens would let their franchise quarterback get away, but until a new deal has pen put to paper there is going to be a discussion about it.

Cincinnati Bengals | Did they do enough to fix the defense?

As long as Joe Burrow is healthy and he has Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to throw to, you know the Bengals offense is going to score.

Keeping Burrow on the field has been an issue.

But an even bigger issue has been putting a defense on the field that can stop other teams from scorings. The Bengals completely overhauled that side of the ball this offseason, including their defensive line, but until we see it in action on the field, we don't really know what sort of impact it will have.

Is there still more depth they can add to the secondary? 

Do they still need more help at middle linebacker?

The performance of that defense will dictate if the Bengals are a Super Bowl contender or continue to reside in their recent state of mediocrity. 

Cleveland Browns | Who will be the starting quarterback?

This has been the unanswered question for the Browns for pretty much their entire existence since returning to the NFL in 1999, and it's not going away anytime soon.

Deshaun Watson is still on the roster, returning from multiple Achilles injuries and has an albatross contract that ownership is going to want to get something out of.

Shedeur Sanders took over the starting job in the second half of the 2025 season and produced some mixed results.

Dillon Gabriel is still lurking on the roster. 

Given what they have seen from Watson so far, as well as the lack of playing time over the past five years, there would seem to be little incentive to force him into a starting spot. You know what you're getting. It's probably not going to be good. 

Sanders might still have some potential, and even if he flops, it could help position the Browns for a top pick in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Pittsburgh Steelers | Can they get Joey Porter Jr. signed?

The Steelers have already locked in two young players on their roster this offseason by re-signing outside linebacker Nick Herbig and tight end Darnell Washington.

Next on the list is starting cornerback Joey Porter Jr.

Porter took a massive leap forward during the 2025 season and became one of the best lockdown cornerbacks in the NFL. He is a major part of their defense and is one of the few cornerbacks they have drafted and developed into a top-tier starter in years. Getting him signed should be a priority before the season begins.