There could be some competition for cornerbacks in the AFC North this offseason. The Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers will both be seeking for a CB2 during the 2024 NFL offseason.
The Cincinnati Bengals could possibly be in the running for a cornerback.
It turns that they may all end up battling for the same player.
Chidobe Awuzie’s three-year contract with the Bengals expires this offseason, and he could enter free agency.
The Bengals will have the first shot at keeping him, but the Steelers have already been identified as a potential suitor if he does not re-sign.
The Ravens are now being mentioned as another team that should consider pursuing Awuzie.
In a piece about free agents who could help a division foe, Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder mentioned Awuzie joining the Ravens.
Awuzie’s comeback
Overall, the Bengals’ pass defense struggled during the 2023 NFL season.
The Bengals allowed opponents 8.1 yards per pass attempt, more than any other team in football.
Awuzie was not immune to these problems.
He had a difficult start to the season as he recovered from a ruptured ACL sustained during the 2022 season.
The Bengals even benched him at one point, unable to get the most out of him.
He finally regained his starting role due to a teammate’s injury and began to show indications of returning to form.
Still, he may use a rebound in 2024.
During the 2023 season, he allowed opposing quarterbacks to complete 67.9% of passes targeted at him. That is not sustainable if he intends to remain a starter in the NFL.
A trade to a team that was among the best in the league against the pass in 2023 and may make significant adjustments this offseason could be exactly what he needs to get his career back on track.
Ravens Defense Is in Need
The Ravens’ pass defense was excellent in 2023.
They concluded the year allowing the second fewest yards per passing attempt in the league while also ranking in the top five in completion percentage and passing touchdowns allowed.
There were several reasons why the team’s pass defense was so effective.
One was that they led the league in sacks, and their pass rush made it difficult for opposition quarterbacks.
In addition, they had several powerful secondary pieces.
Marlon Humphrey continued to play at a high level while healthy. Kyle Hamilton was awarded a First Team All-Pro during his second NFL season.
Geno Stone was tied for the league lead with seven interceptions.
Unfortunately, Stone and a significant portion of the pass rush could leave this offseason.
That will leave them seeking for an upgrade at their second cornerback position to compensate for some of the losses they will experience elsewhere on defense.
Awuzie is a cornerback who would provide an upgrade and ensure they have someone with CB1 experience available if Humphrey is injured again next season.
