ESPN NFL

Did the Chargers do enough on defense?

If the San Diego Chargers are going to end a two-year playoff drought and coach Norv Turner and general manager A.J. Smith are going to save their jobs, the defense must make strides.

The unit was the worst in the NFL on third down last season, and it lacked fire.

Improving the defense was one of the primary goals in the 2012 offseason. Defensive coordinator Greg Manusky, who some in the organization believe was a major reason for the unit's lack of success, was fired, and linebackers coach John Pagano replaced him. Pagano reminds some of former successful San Diego defensive coordinator Wade Phillips because of his approach.

The team signed underrated former Baltimore linebacker Jarret Johnson in free agency and concentrated on defense in the draft.

San Diego drafted South Carolina pass-rusher Melvin Ingram, Connecticut defensive tackle Kendall Reyes and LSU safety Brandon Taylor in the first three rounds. All three players are expected to contribute right away.

Ingram is highly regarded and has a chance to make an instant impact as a pass-rusher, which the Charges badly need. If these players develop quickly and Ingram is as polished as expected, the Chargers should be much more effective defensively.

There's been a strong buzz recently that the Baltimore Ravens are considering Georgia Tech wide receiver Stephen Hill with the 29th overall pick.

This is a little surprising because Hill is a unpolished prospect who needs time to develop as a route runner. But the Ravens appear intrigued by his downfield playmaking ability. And, as you saw last season with Torrey Smith, quarterback Joe Flacco can get the ball downfield when receivers can outrun or outleap defenders.

As I've mentioned before, the Ravens could be thinking ahead at wide receiver. This could be Anquan Boldin's final season with the Ravens. If that's the case, Baltimore could groom Hill for a season before asking him to become a starter.

I believe the Ravens are interested in Hill, but I think Alabama linebackers Dont'a Hightower and Courtney Upshaw are rated higher on Baltimore' board. Hightower would be the eventual replacement for Ray Lewis, and Upshaw would fill the void left by Jarret Johnson.

Of course, the Ravens' interest in Hill could be a moot point. Unless the Ravens trade up to the No. 20 spot (held by the Titans), they have to hope Hill makes it past two division rivals -- the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 21 and the Cleveland Browns at No. 22.

The Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers engage in the NFL's best grudge matches every year. This week, that rivalry could cross over into the NFL draft.

The Ravens and the Steelers have similar needs and could be targeting some of the same players. The Steelers will have the first shot at a player with the 24th overall pick, but the Ravens could decide to trade up in front of Pittsburgh from the No. 29 spot.

Both teams are looking at guards like Georgia’s Cordy Glenn and Wisconsin’s Kevin Zeitler. The Steelers should upgrade at left guard from Doug Legursky, and the Ravens still have to replace Ben Grubbs at that same spot.

Both teams could use an inside linebacker like Alabama’s Dont'a Hightower. Pittsburgh has a leadership void there since cutting James Farrior, and Baltimore has to start thinking of an heir apparent to Ray Lewis.

Both teams could also consider an outside linebacker like Alabama’s Courtney Upshaw. The Steelers might look ahead with James Harrison turning 34 next month, and the Ravens could use an Alabama player to replace a departed one in Jarret Johnson.

Theses scenarios should bring AFC North drama to the bottom half of the first round. The Steelers could take a coveted Ravens prospect at No. 24, or Baltimore could jump ahead of Pittsburgh to do the same.

According to the trade chart, the Ravens would give up a third-round pick to move up to the Detroit Lions' No. 23 spot.

Matt Williamson, of Scouts Inc., handed out grades to the AFC teams after the first wave of free agency. It's an Insider piece, but I will share a small portion for each of the AFC North teams:

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Williamson's grade: B-minus. While I am a proponent of not overspending on other teams' castoffs, and bearing in mind that the Bengals have a great opportunity to add quality talent in the draft with two first-round picks, I can't help but feel that the Bengals let a great opportunity slip through their hands this offseason. I would have attacked a high-end free agent or two such as Carl Nicks or Cortland Finnegan.

Hensley's grade: B. The Bengals upgraded at running back and left guard while bringing back their top free-agent priority in safety Reggie Nelson. The biggest knock against the Bengals is they didn't make a splash by signing a high-profile free agent like guard Ben Grubbs or wide receiver Robert Meachem.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Williamson's grade: D. The biggest crime of the offseason was the Browns allowing the Redskins to outbid them for the second overall pick in the upcoming draft, but even after losing out on the right to draft Robert Griffin III, the Browns didn't add nearly enough to consider them as anything but a bottom feeder for yet another year.

Hensley's grade: C. The Browns desperately needed to improve at quarterback, wide receiver and right tackle. But Cleveland's offense came out of the initial wave of free agency empty-handed. The Browns did improve their run defense by signing Frostee Rucker and their pass rush by adding Juqua Parker.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Williamson's grade: C. The Ravens lost several starters to other clubs over the past few weeks and will need younger players to step up in their place, but this remains a very strong roster.

Hensley's grade: D. The Ravens lost three starters (Ben Grubbs, Jarret Johnson and Cory Redding) from last season's AFC North champion team and have yet to add anyone to replace them. The toughest part of free agency was when the Ravens failed to sign Evan Mathis, who re-signed with the Eagles, after Baltimore had just lost Grubbs.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Williamson's grade: C. Pittsburgh was greatly handcuffed by its salary-cap situation. But even though the Steelers released quite a few older brand name players, they sit in good shape for the 2012 season.

Hensley's grade: D. The Steelers avoided a failing grade because they've lost only two starters from last season's playoff team. James Farrior was cut in the team's salary-cap purge, and William Gay left as an unrestricted free agent. What Pittsburgh really lost in trimming $25 million to get under the cap was veteran depth and leadership.

» AFC Assessments: East | West | North | South » NFC: East | West | North | South

Cincinnati Bengals

Key additions: RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, S Reggie Nelson, G Travelle Wharton, CB Jason Allen, CB Adam Jones, DE Jamaal Anderson, DE Derrick Harvey

Key losses: DE Frostee Rucker (Browns), G Nate Livings (Cowboys), G Mike McGlynn (Colts), DE Jonathan Fanene (Patriots), WR Andre Caldwell (Broncos)

Grade after first wave of free agency: B. The Bengals were the most active team in the division and they should have been. Cincinnati entered free agency with over $50 million in salary-cap space, which was more than the rest of the AFC North combined. The Bengals upgraded at running back and left guard while bringing back their top free-agent priority in safety Reggie Nelson. The biggest knock against the Bengals is they didn't make a splash by signing a high-profile free agent like guard Ben Grubbs or wide receiver Robert Meachem.

The prize of the Bengals' signings is running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who is an improvement over Cedric Benson. Green-Ellis isn't known for breaking long gains, but he is a force in the red zone and has never fumbled in the NFL. Wharton is a step up from Nate Livings at left guard because he is a strong run-blocker who will open holes inside. The biggest losses came on the defensive line, where Cincinnati will miss Frostee Rucker on run defense and Jonathan Fanene in the pass rush.

What’s next: The Bengals can still close the gap between the Ravens and Steelers because they have two first-round picks in the draft (No. 17 overall, which came from Oakland in the Carson Palmer trade, and No. 21). Even with the signing of Wharton, Cincinnati needs a right guard and could have a shot at the top interior offensive lineman coming out of college. Stanford's David DeCastro is one of the safest picks in the draft and would start immediately for the Bengals.

The second first-round pick could be used on a wide receiver or a cornerback. The Bengals surprisingly didn't add a free-agent wide receiver to pair with A.J. Green. Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill or Baylor's Kendall Wright should be available in the bottom third of the draft. Another need is cornerback because Cincinnati could use an eventual replacement for Nate Clements, who is entering his 12th season. Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick, the second-best corner in the draft, has a chance of sliding to the Bengals.

Cleveland Browns

Key additions: DE Frostee Rucker, LB D'Qwell Jackson, CB Dimitri Patterson, DE Juqua Parker

Key losses: RB Peyton Hillis (Chiefs), S Mike Adams (Broncos), G Eric Steinbach, OT Tony Pashos

Grade after first wave of free agency: C. Browns president Mike Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert said they were building this team through the draft and they weren't joking. The Browns desperately needed to improve at quarterback, wide receiver and right guard. But Cleveland's offense came out of the initial wave of free agency empty-handed. Blame the Washington Redskins. The Browns attempted to move up in the draft to take Robert Griffin III, and the Rams instead traded the second overall pick to the Redskins. Cleveland reportedly pursued wide receivers Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan, and both took high-priced deals from Washington.

The Browns provided more help to the defense in free agency. Frostee Rucker will make an impact in stopping the run, which was the biggest weakness on the NFL's 10th-ranked defense. Juqua Parker, who has 31.5 sacks over the past six seasons, will team with Jabaal Sheard to give Cleveland a strong rush coming off both edges. The Browns didn't try to keep Peyton Hillis and Mike Adams from going elsewhere.

What’s next: Offense, offense and offense. Did I mention offense? The Browns need a quarterback but there's no one worthy of the fourth overall pick. Cleveland could trade down to select Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill or wait until the second round for Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden. The big decision comes if the Browns stay put at No. 4. Cleveland's choices are Alabama running back Trent Richardson or Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon. The Browns could use either one because they don't have a starting running back or a No. 1 wide receiver.

Cleveland has a second first-round pick as a result of last year's trade with the Atlanta Falcons. The Browns need to target a wide receiver (if they don't take one earlier in the first round), right tackle or outside linebacker with the 22nd overall pick. Baylor receiver Wright, Mississippi offensive tackle Bobby Massie and Nebraska outside linebacker Lavonte David have been linked to Cleveland.

Baltimore Ravens

Key additions: C Matt Birk, ILB Jameel McClain, OLB Brendon Ayanbadejo, CB Corey Graham, S Sean Considine

Key losses: G Ben Grubbs (Saints), OLB Jarret Johnson (Chargers), DE Cory Redding (Colts) and CB Domonique Foxworth

Grade after first wave of free agency: D. The Ravens lost three starters (Ben Grubbs, Jarret Johnson and Cory Redding) from last season's AFC North champion team and have yet to add anyone to replace them. It was a a rough start to free agency for Baltimore, which didn't sign any of its first three visits (guard Evan Mathis, defensive end Mark Anderson and receiver-returner Ted Ginn Jr.). The toughest part of free agency was when the Ravens failed to sign Mathis, who re-signed with the Eagles, after Baltimore had just lost Grubbs.

Baltimore was able to keep two free-agent starters, Matt Birk and Jameel McClain, and boost a struggling special-teams group that allowed three touchdowns last season. The Ravens signed Cory Graham, a Pro Bowl special-teams player from the Bears; Brendon Ayanbadejo, a three-time Pro Bowl special teams standout; and Sean Considine, who played special teams for three seasons under John Harbaugh in Philadelphia.

What’s next: The Ravens' biggest need is at left guard, but there might not be one that warrants being taken at No. 29. Wisconsin center-guard Peter Konz's stock has slipped recently even though he can guard right away before switching to center in future seasons. It's hard to pin down a player for Baltimore, which can go in a lot of different directions in the first round.

The Ravens could take the best wide receiver available (especially if he's a returner) because they need a third target who can eventually take Anquan Boldin's starting spot. They could take a safety because Ed Reed turns 34 at the start of the season and Bernard Pollard is a free agent next year. And they could take an offensive tackle because they don't have a reliable backup and Bryant McKinnie is a free agent in 2013.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Key additions: None

Key losses: CB William Gay (Cardinals), LB James Farrior, NT Chris Hoke, G Chris Kemoeatu, DE Aaron Smith, WR Hines Ward

Grade after first wave of free agency: D. It's been a quiet free-agency period so far for the Steelers. Then again, it's usually quiet for the Steelers at this point in the offseason. The only team that consistently does less than the Steelers in free agency is the Green Bay Packers.

The Steelers avoided a failing grade because they've only lost two starters from last season's playoff team. James Farrior was cut in the team's salary-cap purge, and William Gay left as an unrestricted free agent. What Pittsburgh really lost in trimming $25 million to get under the cap was veteran depth and leadership. Injuries would force young players to step up into starting roles.

What’s next: There are question marks at running back, guard, inside linebacker, nose tackle and cornerback. Despite all of those needs, the consensus has been Pittsburgh will draft Alabama inside linebacker Dont'a Hightower if he's available at No. 24. He has a great combination of size and speed and excelled in a 3-4 defense in college. It seems like Hightower would be the perfect fit for Pittsburgh.

There's no chance that Memphis' Dontari Poe falls to the Steelers, but there some quality nose tackles in the draft. Those who should be available after the first round are: BYU's Loni Fangupo (second round), Washington's Alameda Ta'amu (third round) and Alabama's Josh Chapman (fourth round). The Steelers likely will become active later in free agency, especially in retaining their own players. Wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery, running back Mewelde Moore and quarterbacks Byron Leftwich and Charlie Batch could potentially return to the team.

» AFC Assessments: East | West | North | South » NFC: East | West | North | South

Denver Broncos

Key additions: QB Peyton Manning, CB Tracy Porter, TE Joel Dreessen, TE Jacob Tamme, S Mike Adams, QB Caleb Hanie, WR Andre Caldwell.

Key losses: DT Brodrick Bunkley, WR, Eddie Royal, TE Daniel Fells, QB Tim Tebow, QB Brady Quinn, TE Dante Rosario.

Did they get better? The Broncos added Manning and that move changes the course of the entire division. Denver is instantly the favorite to win the AFC West again because of this addition. Yes, there are risks as the 36-year-old Manning missed the entire 2011 season with a neck injury that required several surgeries. Denver is convinced Manning is fully recovered and has been cleared to play.

If the 2012 Manning is anything like the Manning we last saw, Denver will be in good shape and the offense will be dangerous. The key is on defense. It has improved greatly and the Porter and Adams additions should help, even while losing Bunkley will hurt. Overall, this team made huge strides in the offseason.

What’s next: Denver’s biggest need areas are at defensive tackle (the Broncos may need two), running back, safety, receiver and linebacker. However, much of that need is for depth purposes.

Denver’s only true glaring hole is at defensive tackle. Expect the Broncos to use their No. 25 pick on the position. I wouldn’t be surprised if the team’s second-round pick is used on a running back unless the Broncos like one of the remaining veterans on the market.

Kansas City Chiefs

Key additions: CB Stanford Routt, RT Eric Winston, RB Peyton Hillis, TE Kevin Boss, QB Brady Quinn.

Key losses: CB Brandon Carr, QB Kyle Orton, FB Le'Ron McClain, LB Demorrio Williams.

Did they get better? Had it not been for the Manning blockbuster, everybody would be taking about what the Chiefs did. I think the Chiefs’ work in free agency was among the best five in the NFL.

Instead of giving quarterback Matt Cassel serious competition, the Chiefs further committed to him by giving him some strong pieces on offense. Hillis will team with Jamaal Charles to make a dangerous running tandem. Winston is one of the league’s better right tackles and Boss and Tony Moeaki will give opposing defenses fits in double tight end sets. This will be a varied offense that will have many weapons. The Chiefs are solid on defense and Routt is a veteran who is comparable to Carr, but more experienced and is less expensive.

What’s next: The Chiefs could use a nose tackle, help at inside linebacker, secondary depth and offensive line depth. They will get a good player with the 11th pick and I think they will try to solidify the middle of the defensive line with someone like Memphis’ Dontari Poe. If the Chiefs can add an impact defender with that pick, it will complete an outstanding offseason.

Oakland Raiders

Key additions: G Mike Brisiel, CB Ron Bartell, CB Shawntae Spencer, CB Pat Lee.

Key losses: LB Kamerion Wimbley, RB Michael Bush, QB Jason Campbell, CB Stanford Routt, TE Kevin Boss, DT John Henderson, RB Rock Cartwright, WR Chaz Schilens, DE Trevor Scott, CB Chris Johnson.

Did they get better? It’s difficult to argue this team improved. Just look at all the losses. It’s a pure fact of numbers, Oakland lost much more than it brought in. This team has more questions than it did at the end of last season and it has more holes. With limited cap space and the fact Oakland doesn’t pick in the draft until No. 95, the Raiders will have a difficult time adding any more impact players. Depth can be an issue.

I understand why this has happened. The new Oakland regime had to get things in order, and sometimes, before a team can make major steps forward as an organization, it may have to take a step back. There is still a lot of talent in Oakland, but it is clear the other three teams made more impactful additions.

What’s next: Oakland will be challenged to find impact players, but it will need to add depth at several places after finding a starting outside linebacker. Oakland needs depth at linebacker, the secondary, offensive line, running back and at quarterback. I think we will see Oakland be patient and add at spots all the way up into the season.

San Diego Chargers

Key additions: WR Robert Meachem, LB Jarret Johnson, WR Eddie Royal, FB Le’Ron McClain, QB Charlie Whitehurst, S Atari Bigby, TE Dante Rosario, LB Demorrio Williams

Key losses: WR Vincent Jackson, RB Mike Tolbert, G Kris Dielman, S Steve Gregory, QB Billy Volek.

Did they get better? I’ve talked to a lot of scouts who believe the Chargers improved. The truth is they lost two good players in Jackson and Tolbert and so did not improve as much as Denver and Kansas City did. But the Chargers did get creative and added a lot of pieces for the price it would have cost to keep Jackson. They also retained key offensive linemen Nick Hardwick and Jared Gaither. Meachem and Royal give quarterback Philip Rivers some interesting weapons.

Johnson will help the defense and he will make it tougher. The Chargers may have gotten a little deeper while losing some star power.

What’s next: The Chargers still haven’t addressed their greatest need outside of keeping its offensive line intact. San Diego will no doubt use its No. 18 pick on the best available pass-rusher to help Johnson is not a great pass-rusher.

Other needs include a big backup running back, offensive line depth and some more depth in all layers of the defense.

No team has taken more hits than the Ravens since free agency began two weeks ago.

Baltimore watched a Pro Bowl offensive lineman (guard Ben Grubbs), perhaps their grittiest player on defense (linebacker Jarret Johnson), and an underrated role player (defensive end Cory Redding) go elsewhere and has yet to sign anyone to replace them.

There's no question that the Ravens are among the biggest losers after the first wave of free agency. But it's debatable how much ground the AFC North champions have lost to the Steelers, Bengals and Browns.

At this point in the offseason, the Ravens remain the team to beat in the division. I'm not saying that. The Ravens' history is.

There should be serious concerns about Baltimore's holes at left guard, outside linebacker and defensive end. There should be doubts whether Baltimore can reach the playoffs for a fifth straight season. The Ravens' rebuttal is, look at last year.

It was eight months ago when the Ravens entered training camp without the two leading receivers in franchise history (Derrick Mason and Todd Heap were released) and an eight-year starter at nose tackle (Kelly Gregg). Baltimore also went through the preseason with its two projected starting cornerbacks (Domonique Foxworth and Chris Carr) sidelined by injuries.

The situation in 2011 was far more dire than the one facing the Ravens right now. Team officials, though, didn't share the panic of their fan base.

The Ravens are more like a college team than an NFL one in how they handle personnel. When they lose someone in free agency, they act like the player graduated and they plug in another one of general manager Ozzie Newsome's recruits, eh, I mean draft picks.

Rookie wide receiver Torrey Smith (second-round pick) replaced Mason. Second-year tight end Ed Dickson (third round) stepped in for Heap. Second-year nose tackle Terrence Cody (second round) moved into Gregg's spot. And Lardarius Webb (third round) and Cary Williams (signed off the Titans' practice squad) became the surprising starters at cornerback.

Before the 2010 season, you could have made a sound argument why the Ravens would miss the postseason. By the end of it, Baltimore was one pass away from advancing to the Super Bowl.

It certainly helped the Ravens in last year's playoffs that Peyton Manning didn't play and Ben Roethlisberger was banged up. Still, the Ravens swept the division and made it to the AFC Championship Game after making changes at eight starting spots.

There aren't as many questions as last year, but perhaps the question marks loom bigger.

They need Art Jones or Pernell McPhee to start at defensive end. Both exceeded expectations in backup roles, but can either one start?

"Those two guys are excited," coach John Harbaugh said. "They're disappointed to see Cory go. They learned so much from Cory. Cory was such a great mentor for those guys. I talked to Pernell on the phone and I've seen Art here twice in the last couple weeks. I could hear Pernell smile and I could see Art smile."

They need Paul Kruger to start at outside linebacker. Kruger made an impact in the pass rush, but is he strong enough to stop the run?

"When we lost Jarret, I went back and watched all of Paul’s tape," Harbaugh said. "I watched every one of his plays from last year, just to try and get a feel just for whether or not we’d be comfortable with him in there. He did a nice job in coverage, he set the edge well. Obviously, he’s a very good pass-rusher. I believe Paul can do it. I think he will do it."

They need Jah Reid to possibly start at left guard. Reid practiced at guard last year, but can the converted offensive tackle really make the switch?

"I would say right now, today, he’s the left guard," Harbaugh said. "He’s got to earn that spot but we’ll be continuing to look for players. Our goal would be to put the five best offensive linemen on the field. Jah, certainly, I’d like to see him be one of those guys, but it’s up to him to earn that spot.”

Honestly, I could see a couple of these situations not working out. The Ravens might end up really missing Grubbs and Johnson. But I also had my doubts that Torrey Smith and Cary Williams would work out as starters last season, too.

Like the Steelers, Packers and Giants, the Ravens are known for making more shrewd free-agent moves than splashy ones. Baltimore can still improve its team with late additions like they did with Bernard Pollard and Bryant McKinnie last season. The Ravens can also address some of these holes in the draft.

It's been a rough start to free agency for the Ravens. But they're used to it by now. They lose in March and win in January. Until that track record changes, it's tough to bet against them.

“Obviously, we’ve been very patient and we’ve been working, trying to do things that will put us in position to make our team better,” Harbaugh said. “I think we’re kind of methodical in our approach. We want to make smart decisions, we want to make wise decisions."

Richard Seymour joked about sleepless nights and Shaun Phillips tweeted about needing to more work out.

Yes, the defenses of the AFC West have been put on notice. Peyton Manning, one of the best players in the NFL if his neck woes are behind him, is joining the division as the new quarterback of the Denver Broncos.

The Manning signing will likely have an effect on the thinking of the three other teams in the AFC West when it comes to making additions this offseason. It’s got to be defense, defense, defense.

That was probably where the three teams were probably leaning toward concentrating on in the draft, anyway.

Kansas City -- coached by Romeo Crennel, whose defenses played well against Manning while he was the defensive coordinator in New England –- will likely look to upgrade on the defensive front and at linebacker early in the draft. The Chiefs loaded up on offense in free agency.

The Raiders have signed veteran cornerbacks Ronald Bartell and Shawntae Spencer. The Raiders will need the experience with Manning gunning for them.

San Diego will look for a pass-rusher in the draft's first round and may add some defensives pieces in free agency. It has also signed Baltimore linebacker Jarret Johnson.

The landscape of the division was rocked by this move and now Denver’s opponents have to adjust accordingly.

So, your AFC North team hasn't lived up to expectations in the first couple of days in free agency. I hear you fans from Cincinnati, Cleveland and Baltimore. For those in Pittsburgh, you're used to taking a fan vacation during this time, because the Steelers rarely do much in free agency.

It's now time for you to vent. Let is all out. Put all your frustration into slamming that keyboard as you vote in today's poll: Which AFC North team has had the most disappointing start in free agency?

The Bengals have more cap room than the other three teams in the division combined. But they don't have a starting running back, a No. 2 wide receiver or any quality guards.

The Browns have made some solid signings with defensive end Frostee Rucker and cornerback Dimitri Patterson, but they have ignored the team's biggest weakness -- the offense that rarely scored more than 17 points in 2011. Cleveland doesn't have a proven running back, a speedy wide receiver or a starting right tackle.

The Ravens have lost the most starters in the division since free agency began, parting ways with guard Ben Grubbs, linebacker Jarret Johnson and defensive end Cory Redding. A fourth starter could be added to the list as linebacker Jameel McClain is visiting Denver.

And finally, there's the Steelers, who released a good chunk of their veteran depth before free agency, and can't do anything to address that because of paltry salary-cap space. It would've been nice to upgrade the offensive line, add a veteran running back, or sign a nose tackle in free agency.

Go ahead and register your vote, or let me know what you think in the comments section below. I'll follow up by Monday.

Outside linebacker Jarret Johnson is no longer a Baltimore Raven after signing with the San Diego Chargers yesterday, but that didn't stop him from giving a parting shot to his AFC North rival -- and it was as vicious as his hit on Hines Ward.

In an interview with the Ravens' flagship radio station WBAL, it was suggested that Johnson's departure is less painful because he didn't go to the New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts or Pittsburgh Steelers.

"I told everybody if I went to Pittsburgh, I would've had to throw up on my jersey every time we played," Johnson told the radio station.

It should be noted for all Steelers fans that Johnson and the San Diego Chargers make a trip to Heinz Field this season. Hopefully, Johnson will remember to take some anti-nausea medicine before seeing the Black and Gold.

The other interesting piece of the interview was the Ravens' level of interest in Johnson, which seemed minimal by his comments. The Ravens apparently had already moved on from Johnson once free agency began.

"A lot of teams will give you an offer that's pretty insulting," Johnson said. "They didn't do that but they made it clear that my time was up. I'm not at all leaving disgruntled, angry or bitter by how it all went down."

About an hour after defensive end Cory Redding went to the Indianapolis Colts, the Baltimore Ravens took a harder hit when linebacker Jarret Johnson agreed to a four-year deal with the Chargers.

Losing Johnson is a bigger blow than many think because he was the most underrated player on the Ravens' defense. Baltimore will likely try to replace him with Paul Kruger, but I'm not sold on that. Kruger is a pass rusher who will have trouble setting a physical edge against the run.

The original plan was to eventually replace Johnson with Sergio Kindle, the team's top draft pick in 2010. But Kindle fractured his skull when he fell down two flights of stairs before his rookie training camp, and he's never been the same. I believe the Ravens will have to go in free agency to find someone who can do the same things as Johnson.

Never a Pro Bowl player, Johnson was tough and dependable, playing in 129 straight games — the longest streak in team history and the fourth-longest currently among linebackers. His ability to rush the passer declined the past two seasons, but his impact against the run shouldn't be overlooked.

Johnson is headed to the Chargers now, but he will always be an AFC North-style player.

The San Diego Chargers entered the offseason with getting a top pass-rusher as one of their biggest needs.

Within the first 24 hours of free agency, San Diego secured an outside linebacker. However, in former Baltimore linebacker Jarret Johnson, San Diego didn’t get a dynamic pass-rusher, but it got one of the better run-stopping outside linebackers in the NFL. The team announced Johnson has agreed to a four-year deal.

Johnson, 31, was an underrated part of the Ravens’ defense for the past nine seasons. His last defensive coordinator in Baltimore was Chuck Pagano, who is the brother of new San Diego defensive coordinator John Pagano.

Don’t expect Johnson to improve the Chargers’ pass rush. He has 20 career sacks, four in the past two seasons and his highest single-season sack total is six. But he should improve the defense as a whole.

The Chargers will likely try to draft a pass-rusher early in next month’s draft. One possibility could be Kamerion Wimbley if the Raiders cut him.

Former Baltimore defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano is expected to bring a Ravens-style defense to Indianapolis. He could be taking some Ravens players along with him, as well.

Ravens free-agent defensive end Cory Redding is engaged with talks with the Colts, and is scheduled to visit Indianapolis tonight, according to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. This could just be the beginning for Pagano, who might also target linebackers Jarret Johnson and Jameel McClain.

Losing Redding would not be a critical blow to the Ravens, even though the nine-year veteran had his best season in years. Redding finished with 43 tackles and 4.5 sacks.

The Ravens have been prepared to replace Redding with two emerging young prospects in Pernell McPhee and Art Jones.

A look at some major questions facing the AFC North teams as free agency begins at 4 p.m. ET:

Will the Bengals make a splash with all of that salary-cap space?

I think it will be more like a ripple than a splash. A team like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who have about the same amount of cap room, will be far more active than the Bengals because they are undergoing a makeover with a new coach. The Bengals will concentrate on their own free agents (like safety Reggie Nelson and defensive end Frostee Rucker) and fill some holes at running back, guard and cornerback. Like I've said for a month, I see Oakland's Michael Bush, Baltimore's Ben Grubbs and New Orleans' Robert Meachem as good fits for Cincinnati. This isn't like signing Mario Williams or Carl Nicks, but these are moves that will improve a young, developing team.

What are the chances that the Browns keep running back Peyton Hillis?

I say less than 50 percent that Cleveland keeps Hillis. The Browns sent a strong message to Hillis when they told him to test the free-agent market. This means that Cleveland would be interested in retaining the running back at a bargain price. The only way that can occur is if Hillis finds there's little interest in him in free agency. The Browns have some pieces at running back with Montario Hardesty, Brandon Jackson and Chris Ogbonnaya, but they need a featured back that they can depend on. I think the Browns find one in the draft.

Will free agents Ben Grubbs and Jarret Johnson be gone from the Ravens by this time tomorrow?

It wouldn't surprise me if Grubbs signed quickly elsewhere and Johnson weighed his decision. Grubbs is one of the top three guards available in free agency, and there will be a couple of teams that will come after him aggressively. The Ravens won't be able to match it with their cap space, which is why they were trying to keep him from becoming a free agent. Johnson will get calls early in free agency, too (perhaps from the Colts or the Jets). But I get the sense that Johnson would stay with the Ravens if the money was close. Baltimore can try to replace Johnson with Paul Kruger, but that weakens the defense. It's in the Ravens' best interest to keep a tough and durable linebacker like Johnson for a couple more years.

Does another team make a run at restricted free agent Mike Wallace?

I think the Steelers are going to be able to keep Wallace without a fight. The one team that I would be concerned about is the New England Patriots. They really do need a deep threat and could be willing to give up the 31st overall pick for him. The Bengals have the cap room and multiple first-round picks to make this move, but this isn't really their style. If a team does pursue Wallace, Pittsburgh will do everything it can to keep him. The Steelers are tight against the cap right now, but I think there are still a few moves (restructuring James Harrison and Troy Polamalu) they can make to free up room to match an offer. One potential suitor to scratch off the list is the San Francisco 49ers, who signed Randy Moss last night.

Free agent officially kicks off at 4 p.m. Tuesday, so let's take a look at the three biggest needs for the Ravens:

1. Interior offensive line: Left guard Ben Grubbs will likely sign elsewhere in free agency, and starting center Matt Birk and backup Andre Gurode are also unrestricted free agents. This is by far the biggest void on the team. The Ravens are expected to bring back Birk and draft their center-in-waiting next month (Wisconsin's Peter Konz is the favorite). But general manager Ozzie Newsome likes to fill major needs before the draft. If Baltimore adds a guard, its track record suggests a veteran one like Steve Hutchinson or Bobbie Williams.

2. Outside linebacker: The Ravens could have trouble re-signing Jarret Johnson, which makes this position a bigger need than many project. Baltimore drafted Sergio Kindle in 2010 to eventually take over for Johnson. But a fractured skull when he fell down two flights of stairs before training camp has made him a non-factor. The Ravens could try to use Paul Kruger at outside linebacker, but he isn't as physical as Johnson in setting the edge against the run. The Bengals' Manny Lawson and the Seahawks' Leroy Hill stand out in a weak free-agent group for outside linebackers.

3. Wide receiver: Baltimore has failed to find a dependable No. 3 wide receiver for Joe Flacco, striking out with T.J. Houshmandzadeh in 2010, and Lee Evans in 2011. The Ravens have ruled out going after a top-tier wide receiver, so that presumably takes them out of the running for Reggie Wayne. But they need to add more punch to a wide receiver group that had two players with more than four receptions last season (Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith). The Broncos' Eddie Royal would be a solid addition, because he would fill the role as the No. 3 wide receiver and punt returner (the team would probably like to reduce Lardarius Webb's snaps on special teams). Royal's receptions have dropped off heavily since his 91-catch rookie year in 2008, but that happened to be his final season with quarterback Jay Cutler.