AFC North Notes: Bengals, Ravens, Steelers

Bengals

New Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan mentioned that they have plans to get WR John Ross more involved in the team’s offense moving forward.

“His production in the red zone was really interesting because you don’t look at him and think ‘red zone target.’ His speed dictates he’d be something other than that,” Callahan said, via Bengals.com. “If we get seven touchdowns out of him again, I’ll be really happy. That’s really good production in this league. As for where he fits outside the red zone, I think there’s a lot of places we can find the ball for him.”

Ravens

Veteran S Eric Weddle said he thought the Ravens would give him give him a chance to stay in Baltimore before releasing him on Tuesday.

“It’s their decision, and I respect that. No hard feelings,” Weddle said, via ESPN.com. “[GM Eric DeCosta] said, ‘We’re releasing you,’ and said some nice things about me. That was it. They’re moving forward. I didn’t get any inclination that they wanted to bring me back, which is totally fine. He’s moving forward with his plan, and I will be pulling for him.”

“It’s all about my health and my mindset. Who knows how long I’ll play? 34-35 is the new 31 with the way guys are playing these days.”

• Mike Garafolo reports that the Ravens still value ILB C.J. Mosley, despite not franchising him on Tuesday, and will attempt to re-sign him at a lower rate than the $15.44 million tag number for linebackers.
• Ravens HC John Harbaugh said on the “Pardon My Take” podcast that he hopes QB Robert Griffin III returns to the team and believes “RG3’s best years of football are ahead of him.” (Dianna Russini)
• Mike Garafolo reports that the Ravens got about a half dozen calls for possible trades last summer for Griffin, who could have “solid interest” as a free agent.

Steelers

• Jason La Canfora believes Patriots WR/KR Cordarrelle Patterson would make sense for the Steelers, but a number of teams are interested in him right now.