AFC North Notes: Bengals, Browns, Ravens

Bengals

Bengals QB Andy Dalton was asked after Sunday’s game about the possibility that this may have been his last game with the team. 

“I have no idea — no idea — what’s going to happen,” Dalton said, via ESPN.com. “But if it is [the end], you always want to end a game with taking a knee. Glad it was that for my last one, if that’s the case.”

• According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Bengals P Kevin Huber can earn a $150,000 incentive if he finishes in the top ten in net punting average. Huber was 11th entering Sunday’s game. 

Browns

• Following the news that the Browns have fired HC Freddie Kitchens, Jim Trotter mentions that there’s a lot of chatter among league sources about Mike McCarthy and Josh McDaniels being most desirable to ownership. Trotter wonders if McDaniels would want to bring in his own GM if interest were mutual.
• Charles Robinson expects Browns owner Jimmy Haslam to alter the front office as part of their next head-coaching search. Robinson believes Haslam will specifically change the power dynamic between GM John Dorsey and chief strategist Paul DePodesta and implement a new structure for the team this offseason.
• Michael Lombardi hears that Baylor HC Matt Rhule won’t have any interest in the Browns’ job. 
• Jason La Canfora would be “very surprised” if the Browns’ search does not include Mike McCarthy and possibly Josh McDaniels.
• According to BrownsZone.com’s Scott Petrak, the Browns should be able to keep both RBs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt for a couple more years, as Chubb still has two years left on his rookie deal and Hunt is a restricted free agent following this season. 

Ravens

• The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec points out the extension for Ravens CB Marcus Peters doesn’t necessarily rule out the team also extending CB Jimmy Smith, as the Ravens abide by the phrase “you can never have enough corners” more than any other team. 
• Zrebiec adds that the three-year, $42 million deal is a bit of a bargain for a 26-year-old Peters whose 27 interceptions since 2015 lead the NFL.
• While Ravens GM Eric DeCosta isn’t a big fan of using the franchise tag, Zrebiec writes he may have no choice but to use it to retain LB Matt Judon. 
• Zrebiec mentions the expectation is that Baltimore will release veteran S Tony Jefferson this offseason.