NFL Free Agency Tracker: Recapping the Weekend for the AFC North

Things actually happened regarding free agency in the AFC North over the weekend, after what were a quiet few days after the signing period officially began. Let's take a look at the comings and goings around the division.

Cincinnati Bengals

Added: OG Travelle Wharton, CB Jason Allen; Re-signed: S Reggie Nelson; Gone: OG Nate Livings (Dallas)

Both left guards, Travelle Wharton and Nate Livings, were meeting with the St. Louis Rams when the former got the call from the Cincinnati Bengals that a deal had been finalized and the latter heard that he would be going to the Dallas Cowboys, in a moment of well-timed serendipity.

Wharton received a three-year, $10 million deal that includes $3.2 million guaranteed. Though he's 31 years old, he's a strong run blocker and fills a very important need on a team that's trying to improve its run game in 2012.

The Bengals also added veteran cornerback Jason Allen, a 2006 first-round draft pick. Allen isn't likely to be the only corner the team brings on this offseason; the team met with both Aaron Ross and Tracy Porter last week, and should they not sign one of them, will be looking to the draft to help build their secondary.

Cincinnati was also able to come to terms with free-agent safety Reggie Nelson, easily their top offseason priority. Nelson met with the New York Jets over the weekend, and there was a third team also in the mix for his services.

However, he chose to stay with the team that brought him on and helped revive his career. His new deal has yet to be finalized, but is said to be a four-year contract.

The Bengals have struggled to retain their top free agents in years past, so the fact they could successfully negotiate a way for Nelson to stick around is a major victory for the team.

Baltimore Ravens

Added: None; Re-Signed: C Matt Birk, LT Bryant McKinnie; Gone: S Tom Zbikowski (Colts), S Haruki Nakamura (Panthers)

The Baltimore Ravens have lost more of their own free agents than they've retained or that they've signed from outside and, considering their financial constraints, will have to look to the draft to replace those they've lost.

Their two most recent departures are their backup safeties, Tom Zbikowski and Haruki Nakamura. Zbikowski is the second Ravens defender to join the Indianapolis Colts, where last year's Ravens' defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano is now head coach.

Veteran center Matt Birk has agreed to stay with the Ravens—and in the NFL—for at least one more season, accepting a three-year deal (terms TBA) that hinges on the results of his physical.

And while not a re-signing, per se, the Ravens paid the $500,000 roster bonus of left tackle Bryant McKinnie, strongly indicating he will be a major part of the team's offensive line plans in 2012.

The Ravens were hoping to land the Philadelphia Eagles' free-agent offensive guard Evan Mathis to replace Ben Grubbs, but Mathis instead decided to return to the Eagles, signing a five-year deal on Sunday.

Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns

Added: None; Re-Signed: None; Gone: None

The Cleveland Browns made a few moves in the first days of free agency, but took it easy over the weekend, neither adding nor losing any players. The same goes for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have a number of unrestricted free agents, none of whom have drawn a great deal of attention in the past six days.

Even Steelers restricted free-agent wide receiver Mike Wallace has yet to generate as much interest as his talent level would indicate, and now it's looking less and less likely a team could make a move to pick him up.

Look for the Browns to make another move or two this week, but nothing flashy nor substantial, while the Steelers, who are up against the salary cap, won't likely make any additions, but could lose a free agent or two as the week progresses.

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