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The theme of Thursday's wake-up call is former players. Even though they're gone, they still generate interest. Other than the item on the Cincinnati Bengals, it's time to revisit some names no longer on an AFC North roster:

RAVENS: The Baltimore Sun's Mike Preston doesn't think the Ravens should have signed linebacker Rolando McClain, who announced his retirement Wednesday. "The Ravens blew it on this one," Preston wrote. "They went out and signed a knucklehead who remained a knucklehead. At this point, we don't know why McClain retired at age 23, and to be honest, I'm afraid to ask. I really don't want to know, and I'm just glad he is out of here." Also, 2005 first-round pick Mark Clayton announced his retirement two months after saying he was ready to play again. A right knee injury had sidelined him all of last season. Clayton is 30 years old, seven years older than McClain.

BENGALS: The timetable hasn't changed for cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, who isn't expected to participate in team drills until the start of training camp in late July, according to the team's official website. He is recovering from offseason knee surgery. Kirkpatrick has been able to do some individual drills while he rehabs. "It's the best he's moved since he's been here," secondary coach Mark Carrier said. "It's amazing what you can do when you don't have any pain. Remember, he's been hurt pretty much since he's been here, so he really looks good so far."

STEELERS: Former Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace told the Miami Herald that his new quarterback (the Dolphins' Ryan Tannehill) can be just as good as his old one (the Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger). "It's funny, they both played receiver at the beginning of college," Wallace said. "They both know what we [receivers] like to do out there, so the chemistry is there already. Both have strong arms. Ryan has a cannon, can really fling it." Wallace added that Tannehill "may be able to throw the ball a little farther than Ben." Maybe Wallace should wait to actually catch a pass from Tannehill in a meaningful game before making such comparisons. With Roethlisberger throwing him the ball, Wallace had more 40-yard receptions (27) than anyone in the NFL since 2009 and the most touchdown catches of 40 yards or longer (16).

BROWNS: Wide receiver-returner Josh Cribbs is officially an ex-Browns player after signing a one-year deal with the Oakland Raiders. Cribbs, who went to three Pro Bowls during his eight seasons with Cleveland, expressed no hard feelings with his former team. "I am going to be for them until we play them," Cribbs told ESPN's Josina Anderson. "They are great fans. I love them just as much as they love me. I hope they win this year. I hope they get the job done and reach greater heights. I hope they root for me as a player and I will be rooting for them from afar." This is a much better response than when Cribbs lashed out on Twitter toward the end of last season. The Browns will replace Cribbs with Travis Benjamin in the return game.

With full-team minicamps beginning in about two weeks, the AFC North blog is taking one final look at the division's top 20 free agents. Only one player, Josh Cribbs, remains unsigned. The division teams were able to keep nine players on the list. Remember to check ESPN.com's free-agent tracker to keep up-to-date with all the moves around the league.

Here is the rankings and where the players stand now (* -- unsigned):

1. Joe Flacco, Ravens QB: Signed a six-year, $120.6 million contract with the Ravens. The then-record deal includes $52 million guaranteed and a $29 million signing bonus.

2. Mike Wallace, ex-Steelers WR: Signed a five-year, $60 million contract with the Dolphins. The deal includes $30 million guaranteed and an $11 million signing bonus.

3. Ed Reed, ex-Ravens FS: Signed a three-year, $15 million contract with the Texans. The deal includes $6 million guaranteed and a $2 million signing bonus.

4. Andre Smith, Bengals OT: Signed a three-year, $18 million contract with the Bengals. The deal includes $5 million guaranteed and a $3 million signing bonus.

5. Michael Johnson, Bengals DE: Signed a one-year, $11.2 million franchise tag with the Bengals.

6. Dannell Ellerbe, ex-Ravens ILB: Signed a five-year, $34.75 million contract with the Dolphins. The deal includes $14 million guaranteed and a $7 million signing bonus.

7. Paul Kruger, ex-Ravens OLB: Signed a five-year, $40.5 million contract with the Browns. The deal includes $20 million guaranteed and a $6 million signing bonus.

8. Phil Dawson, ex-Browns K: Signed a one-year, $2.35 million contract with the 49ers. The deal includes a $1 million signing bonus.

9. Dennis Pitta, Ravens TE: Restricted free agent received second-round tender ($2.023 million).

10. James Harrison, ex-Steelers OLB: Signed a two-year, $4.45 million contract with the Bengals. The deal includes a $1.2 million signing bonus.

*11. Josh Cribbs, Browns WR-PR: Unsigned. He failed to reach an agreement with the Cardinals, so he's been visiting the Raiders, Jets, Giants and Lions this week. My guess is he signs with Detroit.

12. Bernard Pollard, ex-Ravens safety: Signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Titans. The deal includes a $500,000 signing bonus.

13. Keenan Lewis, ex-Steelers CB: Signed a five-year, $25.5 million contract with the Saints. The deal includes $10.5 million guaranteed and a $6 million signing bonus.

14. Cary Williams, ex-Ravens CB: Signed a three-year, $17 million contract with the Eagles. The deal includes $10.5 million guaranteed and a $5 million signing bonus.

15. Manny Lawson, ex-Bengals OLB: Signed a four-year, $12 million contract with the Bills. The deal includes a $3 million signing bonus.

16. Terence Newman, Bengals CB: Signed a two-year, $5 million contract with the Bengals. The deal includes a first-year roster bonus of $1.4 million.

17. Emmanuel Sanders, Steelers WR: Restricted free agent received a one-year, $2.5 million offer sheet from the Patriots and the Steelers matched it.

18. Rey Maualuga, Bengals LB: Signed a two-year, $6.5 million contract with the Bengals. The deal includes a $2.5 million signing bonus.

19. Adam Jones, Bengals CB: Signed a three-year, $5.35 million contract with the Bengals. The deal includes $1.5 million guaranteed and a $750,000 signing bonus.

20. Benjamin Watson, ex-Browns TE: Signed a three-year, $4.95 million contract with the Saints. The deal includes a $1.2 million signing bonus.

There's a chance that Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Markus Wheaton could press Emmanuel Sanders for playing time. There was no chance that the Baltimore Ravens were going to take wide receiver Quinton Patton in the fourth round. And then there is new Browns wide receiver Davone Bess, who is happy he received a second chance. For more on this chatter about wide receivers, continue reading today's wake-up call ...

RAVENS: General manager Ozzie Newsome said the team wasn't planning to draft Louisiana Tech's Patton in the fourth round, where the San Francisco 49ers picked him right before Baltimore went on the clock. “Did one receiver get taken when we were set to take the guy? No, that did not happen at that point,” Newsome said after the draft, via the team's official website. The only receiver drafted by the Ravens was Elon's Aaron Mellette in the seventh round. “Were there receivers in every round that we considered? Yes,” Newsome said. “As far as Aaron, when we got to that point in the draft, he was our highest-rated guy, and that’s why we decided to take him."

BENGALS: Running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis is getting a familiar vibe when hearing the Bengals' plans of putting first-round pick Tyler Eifert on the field at the same time as Jermaine Gresham. Green-Ellis played for New England, where the Patriots used frequently used tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez as a tandem. "Long story short, if you have two tight ends and they are both big guys and you don't feel like you have to cover them with DBs, it actually brings more people in to the box," Green-Ellis said, via the team's official website. "If you have two guys and you feel like one of them is really a receiver then you approach it differently."

STEELERS: The Steelers used a third-round pick on Wheaton, just like they did four years ago with Mike Wallace. Wheaton, who averaged 13.2 yards per catch, doesn't bring the big-play numbers, but the Steelers think he comes more well-rounded than Wallace, who signed with the Dolphins in free agency. "I saw Mike as more of an outside receiver, outside the numbers," offensive coordinator Todd Haley told The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "This guy has played the slot a bunch when he wasn't outside. He is a little wider base [than Wallace], a little more running back build, in my opinion. The speed comparison -- it's hard for anyone to run faster than Mike, but this guy does play fast."

BROWNS: Bess doesn't believe he would be the same man today if he hadn't endured the misery from his past. Ten years ago, Bess spent 15 months in juvenile detention and lost his scholarship to Oregon State after he gave some friends a ride in his car after they had robbed a store. “Those heartaches, those tough times, those experiences in my cell molded me into the man I am today. At the time, being a young adolescent, I didn’t understand it. But being older now, I’m so thankful of those moments," Bess said in a conference call, via the Akron Beacon Journal. “My whole thing was going back, not only into the inner city, but abroad or wherever, and teaching, not only kids, but whoever, everybody, that there is a best route."

» NFC schedule analysis: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

Breakdown: The schedule-makers believe the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to bounce back from a disappointing 8-8 season. The Steelers play four prime-time games, including two in the first three weeks of the season. After opening at home against the Tennessee Titans -- the first home game to start a season since 2010 -- Pittsburgh is at the Cincinnati Bengals for "Monday Night Football" and home against the Chicago Bears for Sunday night.

The other national TV games are at Baltimore on Thanksgiving night, which will hardly be a family affair, and home against the Bengals for Sunday night on Dec. 15. Barring a flex situation, the two meetings between the Steelers and Bengals are in prime time. The Steelers go from the national spotlight to the international one, when they face the Minnesota Vikings in London on Sept. 29.

The reunion with Mike Wallace is Dec. 8, when the wide receiver returns to Heinz Field for the first time since signing his five-year, $60 million deal with the Miami Dolphins. Will Wallace be able to break a long one against his former team? The Steelers ranked first in pass defense last season and allowed two passes more than 40 yards, the fewest in the NFL.

Complaint department: The Steelers really can't complain about getting another early bye. Pittsburgh has to take off in Week 5 because that follows its trip to London. But the Steelers can't be too happy with what follows the bye. Pittsburgh plays three out of four games on the road, including a trip to New England a week after a cross-country flight to Oakland (where the Steelers always seem to have problems). The only home game in October is against the Ravens, who have won three straight times at Heinz.

Looking for a fast start: Pittsburgh has had sluggish starts in three of the past four seasons. The Steelers began 2-3 in 2012, 2-2 in 2011 and 1-2 in 2009. It will be a challenge to get off to a better start in 2013. The Steelers begin against the Titans, who beat Pittsburgh last season, and then play at the Bengals, who have been to the playoffs the past two seasons. Pittsburgh's next two games are against the NFC North's Bears and Vikings, who were a combined 21-11 last season.

Steelers Regular-Season Schedule (All times Eastern)
Week 1: Sunday, Sep. 8, Tennessee, 1:00 PM
Week 2: Monday, Sep. 16, at Cincinnati, 8:30 PM
Week 3: Sunday, Sep. 22, Chicago, 8:30 PM
Week 4: Sunday, Sep. 29, at Minnesota, 1:00 PM
Week 5: BYE
Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 13, at NY Jets, 1:00 PM
Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 20, Baltimore, 4:25 PM
Week 8: Sunday, Oct. 27, at Oakland, 4:05 PM
Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 3, at New England, 4:25 PM
Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 10, Buffalo, 1:00 PM
Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 17, Detroit, 1:00 PM
Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 24, at Cleveland, 1:00 PM
Week 13: Thursday, Nov. 28, at Baltimore, 8:30 PM
Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 8, Miami, 1:00 PM
Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 15, Cincinnati, 8:30 PM
Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 22, at Green Bay, 4:25 PM
Week 17: Sunday, Dec. 29, Cleveland, 1:00 PM

The Pittsburgh Steelers matched the New England Patriots' one-year, $2.5 million offer sheet to wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, and they really didn't have a decision to make.

If the Steelers intend to bounce back from last season's disappointing 8-8 season, they had to keep Sanders. There's already question marks in the passing game after wide receiver Mike Wallace signed with Miami and tight end Heath Miller tore his ACL in the second-to-last regular-season game. It's not like the Steelers can rely more on their running game because they lack a proven featured back.

Some suggested the Steelers should let Sanders go to New England and take the third-round pick as compensation. Remember the Patriots are picking at the bottom of the third round, so this doesn't have the same value as if Carolina or St. Louis had put in the offer sheet. The Steelers might get a compensatory pick in the same area of the third round next year for Wallace.

And, if the Steelers lost Sanders, who would they be left with at wide receiver? Antonio Brown, Jerricho Cotchery, Plaxico Burress and David Gilreath. I think I had Cotchery or Burress on my fantasy football team in 2008 but I wouldn't want them as a No. 2 receiver in 2013. The Steelers may not be sold on either one being a No. 3, which is why they still could take a wide receiver early in the draft.

Yes, the Steelers did have to spend precious salary-cap dollars to keep Sanders. The price, though, was right. If the Steelers had put a second-round tender on Sanders (which may have stopped the Patriots from making an offer sheet), they would've paid him $2.02 million. So, that miscalculation cost less than a half-million to hold onto a receiver they have invested three years to develop. It's true that Sanders could leave after this season. But matching the tender also buys Pittsburgh some time.

I expect the Steelers to try to sign Sanders to an extension, even though his agent told The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that it would take a "a very good deal" for him to sign a long-term deal. He's a good fit in the Steelers' offense run by Todd Haley. He is probably a better fit than Wallace. Sanders doesn't have the same straight-line speed as Wallace (few do), but he has great quickness and is better than Wallace at generating yards after the catch.

Sanders, 26, caught a career-high 44 passes in 2012, doubling his production from the previous season. He is starting to show promise now that he's healthy. The Steelers needed to keep Sanders. It was a no-brainer.

The Patriots have reportedly signed Emmanuel Sanders, a restricted free agent, to an offer sheet. I love this move -- for New England.

New England is short on wide receivers, and getting Sanders for a late third-round pick (Sanders’ draft slot in 2010) would make this contending team better right away. Sanders has battled injuries, but there is no shame being stuck behind Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown during his time in Pittsburgh.

Like Brown, Sanders isn’t the biggest receiver around, but he is extremely quick and very good after the catch -- which is a must in the Patriots’ timing-based offense that Tom Brady runs so very well with great precision and accurate throws.

Sanders also has some deep-ball ability, and can line up outside the numbers or in the slot, although New England is pretty set with slot options Danny Amendola and Aaron Hernandez. But we all know that Bill Belichick craves players -- at any position -- with a wide skill set and capable of contributing in many ways. Sanders fits that, and is a great potential pickup for the price.

Not only would Sanders be a strong addition to the Patriots, but the move would also weaken a fellow AFC contender. With Wallace now in Miami, wide receiver is as great of a need for Pittsburgh as any other position. Sanders appeared to be set up to show what he could do as a starter opposite Brown. New England has far more salary-cap space and overall flexibility than the Steelers.

But worst of all for Pittsburgh, Sanders’ signing of this offer sheet forces the Steelers to make a decision they did not want to make. This is not the type of organization that wants other franchises to negotiate contracts for it -- which is essentially what New England did if Pittsburgh chooses to match, and matching could force the Steelers to further shuffle their roster and salary cap.

Also, I don’t think that the Steelers are excited about dealing a young, promising starting wide receiver for a very late third-round pick. Although they are not the clear contender the Patriots are, the Steelers are not in rebuilding mode, and who knows how much longer Ben Roethlisberger can continue playing at a high level with all the punishment he has withstood.

How will Pittsburgh respond? None of us know, but my hunch is the Steelers are not especially happy about either option presented to them.

In a quote that will surprise no one, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger told a Dolphins website (thefinsiders.com) that the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to miss wide receiver Mike Wallace, who signed with the Miami Dolphins in free agency.

I don't think anyone is going to dispute the Steelers are going to miss Wallace. To what extent the Steelers are going to miss him is the real issue.

Wallace led the Steelers in receiving the past three seasons. There is no one who is going to stretch the field like Wallace, who has more 40-yard receptions since 2009 than Wallace (27).

But the Steelers would have missed Wallace more in Bruce Arian's offense, which emphasized the deep passing game, than in Todd Haley's passing attack. The Steelers should still be productive with Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders, both of whom can gain yards after the catch.

In fact, Brown and Sanders each had more 20-yard receptions than Wallace last season. Brown (11) and Sanders (10) combined for 21 catches over 21 yards last season while Wallace had nine.

Some may say Brown and Sanders are more versatile receivers because they can run different routes than Wallace, who has been jokingly referred as a "one-trick pony." Roethlisberger disagreed with that label.

“Mike is way more,” Roethlisberger said. “It’s to Mike’s credit. Mike is really focused on becoming a better receiver. So he’s focused on his route running. He’s focused on running out-routes, and curl-routes, and in-routes and doing all the little things that’s required to become a great wide receiver."

Roethlisberger added, “That’s why he, to me, is one of the best in the league, because he not only has that speed -- he can run by anybody -- but he can run routes and he can get open. That’s why we’re going to miss him, and the Dolphins are lucky to have him.”

There's still a chance that Wallace won't be the only receiver to leave. If the New England Patriots sign Sanders to an offer sheet before the April 19 deadline, Roethlisberger and the Steelers are going to miss Wallace a lot more.

It's 18 days into NFL free agency, and there's only five players on the AFC North top 20 list who remain unsigned. As always, click here for ESPN.com's free-agent tracker which will keep you up-to-date with all the moves from around the league.

Here is the rankings and where the players stand now (* -- unsigned):

1. Joe Flacco, Ravens QB: Signed a six-year, $120.6 million contract with the Ravens. The NFL-record deal includes $52 million guaranteed and a $29 million signing bonus.

2. Mike Wallace, ex-Steelers WR: Signed a five-year, $60 million contract with the Dolphins. The deal includes $30 million guaranteed and an $11 million signing bonus.

3. Ed Reed, ex-Ravens FS: Signed a three-year, $15 million contract with the Texans. The deal includes $6 million guaranteed and a $2 million signing bonus.

*4. Andre Smith, Bengals OT: Unsigned. Smith remains a priority for the Bengals. He has surprisingly drawn little interest in free agency.

5. Michael Johnson, Bengals DE: Signed a one-year, $11.2 million franchise tag with the Bengals.

6. Dannell Ellerbe, ex-Ravens ILB: Signed a five-year, $34.75 million contract with the Dolphins. The deal includes $14 million guaranteed and a $7 million signing bonus.

7. Paul Kruger, ex-Ravens OLB: Signed a five-year, $40.5 million contract with the Browns. The deal includes $20 million guaranteed and a $6 million signing bonus.

8. Phil Dawson, ex-Browns K: Signed a one-year, $2.35 million contract with the 49ers. The deal includes a $1 million signing bonus.

9. Dennis Pitta, Ravens TE: Restricted free agent received second-round tender ($2.023 million).

*10. James Harrison, Steelers OLB: Unsigned. Harrison has to be rethinking his decision not to take a pay cut with the Steelers. He's only taken one visit, and the Ravens signed Elvis Dumervil during it. Could he end up in Arizona like so many other ex-Steelers?

*11. Josh Cribbs, Browns WR-PR: Unsigned. The Cardinals are waiting until Cribbs is fully recovered from meniscus surgery before signing him.

12. Bernard Pollard, ex-Ravens safety: Signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Titans. The deal includes a $500,000 signing bonus.

13. Keenan Lewis, ex-Steelers CB: Signed a five-year, $25.5 million contract with the Saints. The deal includes $10.5 million guaranteed and a $6 million signing bonus.

14. Cary Williams, ex-Ravens CB: Signed a three-year, $17 million contract with the Eagles. The deal includes $10.5 million guaranteed and a $5 million signing bonus.

15. Manny Lawson, ex-Bengals OLB: Signed a four-year, $12 million contract with the Bills. The deal includes a $3 million signing bonus.

*16. Terence Newman, Bengals CB: Unsigned. Newman announced on Twitter on Friday night that he has re-signed with the Bengals. No official word from the Bengals yet.

*17. Emmanuel Sanders, Steelers WR: Restricted free agent visited the Patriots but has yet to sign an offer sheet. The Steelers have first right of refusal and would receive a third-round pick as compensation if they didn't match the offer.

18. Rey Maualuga, Bengals LB: Signed a two-year, $6.5 million contract with the Bengals. The deal includes a $2.5 million signing bonus.

19. Adam Jones, Bengals CB: Signed a three-year contract with the Bengals that pays him $3.3 million in base salaries.

20. Benjamin Watson, ex-Browns TE: Signed a three-year, $4.95 million contract with the Saints. The deal includes a $1.2 million signing bonus.

» NFC Eight in the Box: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

How does each team look at wide receiver and what still needs to be done?

Baltimore Ravens: This is the most glaring need on offense. The Ravens traded Anquan Boldin, their leading receiver for the past three seasons, and have yet to replace him. Torrey Smith is the only remaining wide receiver on the Ravens who caught more than 30 passes last season. Jacoby Jones can stretch the field, but he's considered more of a returner than a receiver. Owner Steve Biciotti recently said a committee is going to fill the void. The options -- Tandon Doss, David Reed, Deonte Thompson and Tommy Streeter -- have totaled 17 career receptions and one touchdown. The lack of proven talent has to be a concern. The Ravens could also split out tight end Dennis Pitta and use him more in a wideout role. It wouldn't be surprising to see Baltimore take a wide receiver early in the draft.

Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green is the best receiver in the division and is among the top five in the NFL. He has 162 catches in his first two seasons, which is the second-most in NFL history. The supporting cast looks promising, although no one has established himself in the league. Only one other wide receiver (Andrew Hawkins) had more than 18 receptions last season. Mohamed Sanu, a third-round pick from a year ago, is expected to become the team's No. 2 receiver. Coach Marvin Lewis said Sanu is ahead of where Chad Johnson was after his rookie season. The Bengals believe Marvin Jones, a fifth-round pick last season, has good upside. Whether the Bengals use an early draft pick on a wide receiver will show their level of confidence in this young group.

Cleveland Browns: For a second straight year, the Browns chose not to sign a free-agent wide receiver even though they have a need and the salary-cap room to do so. The Browns are set with two young, yet inconsistent, starters in Josh Gordon and Greg Little. Gordon, a supplemental second-round pick last year, showed flashes of being a No. 1 receiver. He brought back the big play to the Browns' passing attack, averaging 16.1 yards per catch. Gordon, who had seven games in which he caught two or fewer passes, can't disappear like he did at times last season. Little has the potential to be the complementary No. 2 target if he can cut down on his drops. Travis Benjamin, the fast but undersized work in progress, is the No. 3 receiver by default. After not re-signing Mohamed Massaquoi and Josh Cribbs, the Browns have to draft at least one receiver to provide depth. The problem is, Cleveland has just one of the first 67 picks in the draft.

Pittsburgh Steelers: As expected, the Steelers let Mike Wallace, their leading receiver for the past three seasons, leave in free agency. Pittsburgh could have a predicament if Emmanuel Sanders, who is expected to replace Wallace, goes to the Patriots. The deadline is April 19 for the Patriots to extend an offer to Sanders, a restricted free agent. Antonio Brown has to step up and become the No. 1 target after 135 catches the past two seasons. He's a good fit in the short passing game favored by offensive coordinator Todd Haley. Right now, the No. 3 receiver is either Jerricho Cotchery or Plaxico Burress. The Steelers may have to draft a wide receiver in either the first or second round for the first time since 2008. Pittsburgh's depth has been depleted at this position. It was only two years ago when the Steelers went into the season with Brown and Sanders as their backup wideouts.

The Pittsburgh Steelers parted ways with their best pass-rusher in James Harrison, the anchor of their defensive line in Casey Hampton and a young promising cornerback in Keenan Lewis. The most disturbing part about this is defense doesn't rank as the the team's top concern right now, and I'm not talking about a fractured locker room, either.

When it comes to the Steelers' offense, it's Big Ben and a lot of Big Questions. Who is the starting running back? Who is the No. 1 tight end at the start of the season? Will this reshuffled offensive line live up to expectations? Can the wide receivers withstand another loss?

Ben Roethlisberger remains a top-five quarterback in the NFL, but there's a question mark even with a two-time Super Bowl winner. Can he stay healthy for an entire season? The Steelers can't realistically think about putting together a winning season, much less a playoff one, if Roethlisberger is wincing in pain again for a third straight December. Not with what has gone on the past few months.

Mike Wallace, the team's leading receiver for the past three seasons, signed with the Miami Dolphins, and restricted free agent Emmanuel Sanders, the receiver who is expected to replace Wallace, could get an offer sheet from the New England Patriots next month. Heath Miller, the starting tight end and team most valuable player, doesn't have a timetable to return after tearing his ACL in the second-to-last game. Rashard Mendenhall, the team's only proven workhorse running back, went to the Arizona Cardinals. Left guard Willie Colon was released and left tackle Max Starks isn't expected to be re-signed.

Remember last year at this time when the main issues surrounding the offense was when Wallace would report, who would step up at running back and how long it would take before Roethlisberger was introduced to offensive coordinator Todd Haley? It's a more serious time for the Steelers' offense now. Whether or not Pittsburgh can provide viable answers to all of these questions will go a long way in determining the Steelers' fate this season -- a rebound from an 8-8 season or a return to another season of mediocrity.

“I don’t want to say it’s a transition phase because I feel like I’m still here and ready to rock and roll," Roethlisberger told The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette earlier this month. "I feel like I’m in my prime and ready to play great football."

Roethlisberger is right that his play often dictates the success of the offense. Before his rib injury last year, he was having an MVP-type season with 16 touchdowns and four interceptions. The Steelers were ranked 13th in scoring at that point. But his absence, coupled with his average play when he returned from the injury, caused the Steelers to finish 22nd in scoring, the worst of the Roethlisberger era and two spots ahead of the Cleveland Browns.

With a healthy Roethlisberger under center, the Steelers won't panic or concede this is a rebuilding season -- and they rightfully shouldn't. Pittsburgh's offense won't suddenly turn into Jacksonville, Arizona or the New York Jets if Roethlisberger is breaking free from pass-rushers and strong-arming throws in the end zone. There should be concern over the supporting cast, however. Four established starters (Wallace, Mendenhall, Starks and Colon) are gone or not expected to return and Miller could miss the start of the season. The Steelers, who are currently $2.5 million under the cap, can't really do much at this point to answer most of these questions.

Here's a position-by-position look at what could lie ahead for the Pittsburgh offense ...

Running back: Ahmad Bradshaw, who is visiting Pittsburgh on Wednesday, is clearly the Steelers' best option this year if he has recovered from foot surgery because there's no immediate starter in the draft. Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman aren't the answer after they produced the Steelers' worst rushing season in nine years.

Wide receiver: The Steelers would be in trouble if they lost Sanders to the Patriots. With only role players left in free agency, Pittsburgh would be forced to turn to the draft to find another playmaker at receiver. If Sanders remains, which I predict will ultimately happen, he'll team with Antonio Brown for one of the quickest receiver tandems in the league.

Tight end: The Steelers are hoping to know by next month when they can expect Miller to return. This is the time when the Steelers need to think about drafting Miller's future replacement. He turns 31 during the season and will make $6 million in 2014, the final year of his contract. The top tight ends in the draft are: Notre Dame's Tyler Eifert (first round), Stanford's Zach Ertz (first or second round), Florida's Jordan Reed (third round) and Cincinnati's Travis Kelce (third or fourth round).

Offensive line: Pittsburgh is looking for some return on its investment. The Steelers have used two picks in the first and second rounds on this projected starting lineup: left tackle Marcus Gilbert, left guard Ramon Foster, center Maurkice Pouncey, right guard David DeCastro and right tackle Mike Adams. The hope is Gilbert can protect Roethlisberger's blind side and the right side (which has a combined nine starts) can hold up for an entire season.

In addition to the questions about the roster, there's one that focuses on the Steelers sideline: the relationship between Roethlisberger and Haley. The Ravens showed last season how finding the right chemistry between a coordinator and quarterback can spark a magical run. A week after the Ravens made the switch from Cam Cameron to Jim Caldwell, Roethlisberger publicly criticized Haley's playcalling following an overtime loss at Dallas. Roethlisberger later apologized, but this only fueled speculation of an ongoing rift between them.

“I think that being familiar and continuing to gain understanding is what's going to make us successful not only offensively but as a team," coach Mike Tomlin said last week of the Haley-Roethlisberger relationship. “I think that process is unfolding. Both guys are geared towards winning, and they're unselfish from that standpoint. I'm excited about watching it continue to grow.”

Many thought Haley was the answer in getting the Steelers' offense back on track. A year later, the Steelers are facing a bigger challenge and bigger questions on offense.

» NFC Eight in the Box: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

A look at whether each AFC North team has been a winner or a loser in free agency.

Baltimore Ravens: Losers. No debate here. The Super Bowl champions have been among the biggest losers in free agency. The Ravens have parted ways with seven starters (including five on defense), and free agency is only 11 days old. Baltimore also lost a chunk of its history when linebacker Ray Lewis retired and safety Ed Reed signed with the Houston Texans in free agency. Both players were past their prime, but their departures create a major leadership void. The losses that will hurt the Ravens the most are wide receiver Anquan Boldin (traded to San Francisco) and linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (signed with Miami). The Ravens don't have the depth at either position to replace them. The only additions have been defensive linemen Chris Canty and Marcus Spears, both of whom will improve the run defense.

Cincinnati Bengals: Winners. You can't really call the Bengals "losers" because they've only lost one starter from last season's playoff team, and Cincinnati wasn't interested in bringing back outside linebacker Manny Lawson (signed with Buffalo). The biggest criticism is the Bengals haven't been aggressive in free agency. Cincinnati is one of three teams that haven't signed a free agent from another team this offseason. The Bengals have been active in keeping their team intact, re-signing nine of their own free agents. That list includes three starters (linebacker Rey Maualuga and defensive ends Michael Johnson and Robert Geathers), kicker Mike Nugent and punter Kevin Huber. The Bengals will feel more like winners if they can retain their top priority, offensive tackle Andre Smith. With about $30 million in salary-cap room remaining, Cincinnati is looking to bring back cornerback Terence Newman and extend the contract of defensive tackle Geno Atkins. The Bengals also need to address voids at strong safety and outside linebacker.

Cleveland Browns: Winners. This is a close call. The Browns improved their front seven by signing linebacker Paul Kruger and defensive lineman Desmond Bryant and added to the pass rush by bringing in linebacker Quentin Groves. Cleveland overpaid for Kruger ($20 million guaranteed for someone who has 15.5 career sacks), but the Browns get the sacks leader from the Super Bowl champions who is entering the prime of his career. The best signing was Bryant, an under-the-radar free agent who can become a game-changer up front in the Browns' new 3-4 defense. The excitement over these additions is tempered by the fact that the Browns said goodbye to two longtime franchise fixtures in kicker Phil Dawson (signed with San Francisco) and receiver-returner Josh Cribbs (expected to sign with Arizona). The Browns can come out of free agency looking much better if they can land Falcons free agent Brent Grimes, the top cornerback remaining on the market.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Losers. This is no surprise. The Steelers' salary-cap restraints have meant a significant amount of losses and few additions in free agency over recent years. This offseason, the Steelers cut their top pass-rusher (aging James Harrison) after he refused to take a pay cut, watched their best deep threat (Mike Wallace) get $30 million guaranteed from the Miami Dolphins, chose not to outbid the New Orleans Saints for their young rising cornerback (Keenan Lewis) and declined to re-sign a former first-round pick (running back Rashard Mendenhall). There will also be changes along the offensive and defensive lines. Pittsburgh released guard Willie Colon and aren't expected to re-sign offensive tackle Max Starks and nose tackle Casey Hampton. The Steelers added depth with quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, cornerback William Gay and wide receiver Plaxico Burress. But Pittsburgh has to cross its fingers that New England won't sign wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders to an offer sheet.

I updated the top 20 free-agent list in the division that reflects the release of Steelers linebacker James Harrison and safety Bernard Pollard. There are eight unsigned free agents remaining on the list. As always, click here for ESPN.com's free-agent tracker which will keep you up-to-date with all the moves from around the league.

Here is the rankings and where the players stand now (* -- unsigned):

1. Joe Flacco, Ravens QB: Signed a six-year, $120.6 million contract with the Ravens. The NFL-record deal includes $52 million guaranteed and a $29 million signing bonus.

2. Mike Wallace, ex-Steelers WR: Signed a five-year, $60 million contract with the Dolphins. The deal includes $30 million guaranteed and an $11 million signing bonus.

*3. Ed Reed, Ravens FS: Unsigned. Reed took a two-day visit to Houston but left without a deal. Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome expects Reed to make a decision this week.

*4. Andre Smith, Bengals OT: Unsigned. Smith remains a priority for the Bengals. He has surprisingly drawn little interest in free agency.

5. Michael Johnson, Bengals DE: Signed a one-year, $11.2 million franchise tag with the Bengals.

6. Dannell Ellerbe, ex-Ravens ILB: Signed a five-year, $34.75 million contract with the Dolphins. The deal includes $14 million guaranteed and a $7 million signing bonus.

7. Paul Kruger, ex-Ravens OLB: Signed a five-year, $40.5 million contract with the Browns. The deal includes $20 million guaranteed and a $6 million signing bonus.

*8. Phil Dawson, Browns K: Unsigned. Not expected to return to the Browns.

9. Dennis Pitta, Ravens TE: Restricted free agent received second-round tender ($2.023 million).

*10. James Harrison, Steelers OLB: Unsigned. Harrison refused a pay cut, but he's drawing very little interest. The Ravens reportedly have talked to him, but there have been no contract negotiations.

*11. Josh Cribbs, Browns WR-PR: Unsigned. Cribbs reportedly visited the Cardinals and took a physical Monday.

*12. Bernard Pollard, Ravens safety: Unsigned. Pollard has had one visit (the Titans) since being released by the Ravens last week.

13. Keenan Lewis, ex-Steelers CB: Signed a five-year, $25.5 million contract with the Saints. The deal includes $10.5 million guaranteed and a $6 million signing bonus.

14. Cary Williams, ex-Ravens CB: Signed a three-year, $17 million contract with the Eagles. The deal includes $10.5 million guaranteed and a $5 million signing bonus.

15. Manny Lawson, ex-Bengals OLB: Signed a four-year, $12 million contract with the Bills. The deal includes a $3 million signing bonus.

*16. Terence Newman, Bengals CB: Unsigned. Newman is expected to choose between the Bengals and Raiders this week.

17. Emmanuel Sanders, Steelers WR: Restricted free agent visited the Patriots last week but has yet to sign an offer sheet. The Steelers have first right of refusal and would receive a third-round pick as compensation if they didn't match the offer.

18. Rey Maualuga, Bengals LB: Signed a two-year, $6.5 million contract with the Bengals. The deal includes a $2.5 million signing bonus.

*19. Adam Jones, Bengals CB: Unsigned. The Bengals are reportedly close to re-signing Jones.

20. Benjamin Watson, ex-Browns TE: Signed a three-year deal with the Saints.

While no AFC North team can match the exodus going on in Baltimore, the Pittsburgh Steelers are having turnover with their roster as well.

Wide receiver Mike Wallace signed with Miami. Running back Rashard Mendenhall went to Arizona. Outside linebacker James Harrison and guard Willie Colon were released. There's a good chance that cornerback Keenan Lewis, nose tackle Casey Hampton and offensive tackle Max Starks won't be back, too.

In total, seven starters could be gone. But Steelers president Art Rooney II sort of shrugged when asked about this year's changes.

“I don’t view it as dramatically different than other years,” Rooney told The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “The recent history is, we face decisions like this almost every year in terms of making decisions on players who made key contributions. I always say, every year is a new jigsaw puzzle and you have to put together the pieces the best way you can and shaping contracts is a big part of that."

Should Rooney be more worried? It depends on your faith in those replacing the starters.

Can Antonio Brown put up the same numbers without the threat of Wallace? And is Emmanuel Sanders a No. 2 wide receiver in the league? Will Cortez Allen step up at cornerback like Lewis did this past season? Can Steve McLendon take over for Hampton for a full season? Will Marcus Gilbert be able to hold down the left tackle spot?

The Steelers will make additions over the next month. Pittsburgh should bring in another running back, whether it's in free agency, the draft or perhaps both. The Steelers might use their first-round pick on an outside linebacker so they don't have to put Jason Worilds or Chris Carter in Harrison's old spot.

Team officials and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger scoff at the notion that the Steelers are rebuilding. But this is a team in transition with a lot of questions to answer.

Losing a wide receiver is familiar territory for the Steelers. They've parted ways with Santonio Holmes and Hines Ward in recent years. The reason Pittsburgh has been able to move forward without them goes back to its backup plan.

The Steelers traded Holmes because they had Mike Wallace. They released Ward because they had Antonio Brown. Now, with Mike Wallace signing a five-year deal that averages $13 million per season, the next receiver who needs to step up is Emmanuel Sanders. In his three seasons, Sanders is known more for his injuries (especially his fake one) than his big plays.

How much the Steelers miss Wallace depends on Sanders' ability to raise his game. Sanders has outstanding speed. He just doesn't have the numbers.

It's a big void for Sanders to fill. No player in the NFL has more 40-yard receptions since 2009 than Wallace (27), and his 16 touchdown catches of 40 yards or longer are also an NFL high during that span. In three seasons, Sanders has 21 catches over 20 yards and none over 40 yards.

Wallace may have been a one-trick pony, as coach Mike Tomlin once called him, but ability to run the deep route always proved valuable. Sanders' best trick so far has been faking a leg cramp to save the Steelers an injury.

There will be more pressure on the Steelers' passing game this year because Wallace isn't the only loss. The status of tight end Heath Miller is uncertain after he tore his ACL in the second-to-last regular-season game.

Yes, there was no way the cap-strapped Steelers had a chance to keep Wallace, even if he agreed to take half of what he got from the Dolphins. And yes, Wallace isn't a great fit for the Steelers' offense if coordinator Todd Haley sticks with the short passing game.

Still, what the Steelers will miss the most about Wallace is the threat of him going deep. Teams couldn't drop a safety down on his side of the field because the Steelers were one deep Ben Roethlisberger pass from a Wallace touchdown.

This is what Pittsburgh loses in going from Wallace to Sanders. They were both third-round picks. They both have speed. But defenses don't fear Sanders like they do Wallace. If defenses don't respect Sanders by the end of the season, the Steelers' passing game will struggle.

It's now official: Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace and Ravens linebacker Paul Kruger are changing teams and it's no surprise where they landed less than an hour into free agency.

Wallace agreed to terms with the Dolphins on a five-year contract that is worth up to $65 million, according ESPN's John Clayton. The deal is contingent on Wallace passing a physical.

Kruger reached a five-year, $40 million deal with the Browns, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. He goes from the Super Bowl champions to becoming the first free-agent signing of the Browns' new regime.

I will give my reaction on both of these moves shortly.