AFC North Notes: Bengals, Ravens, Steelers

Bengals

• Per Geoff Hobson, Bengals GM Duke Tobin says the team would also like to sign WR A.J. Green to an extension following the new deal for Tyler Boyd: “We’d like to get them both done.”
• Despite the sometimes steep dropoff for wide receivers past the age of 30, Bengals owner Mike Brown isn’t concerned about the 31-year-old Green: “The great ones tend to go longer and I think A.J. is that kind of guy. He’s got plenty left.” (Hobson)

Ravens

• According to the Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec, Ravens FB Patrick Ricard has a good chance at the final roster because of his ability to play defensive line and special teams. 
• Zrebiec notes Ravens fourth-round RB Justice Hill will need to prove himself in pass protection before the team relies on him as its third-down back. 
• Ravens OL James Hurst is currently projected to start at left guard, but Zrebiec writes the team would prefer for Hurst to be the team’s sixth offensive lineman. 
• Zrebiec mentions LB Chris Board took almost all the first-team reps ahead of Kenny Young during minicamp.
• The Ravens will mix and match an assortment of Pernell McPhee, Shane Ray, Tim Williams and Tyus Bowser across from LB Matt Judon, per Zrebiec. 

Steelers

• The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly thinks QB Mason Rudolph might have the edge for the backup spot ahead of Josh Dobbs.
• Kaboly notes that while Steelers CB Mike Hilton would like a new deal, the team has control the next two years as he’s an exclusive rights free agent this year and will be a restricted free agent next year.
• He adds the Steelers might view Hilton’s lack of size as a negative toward a longer-term extension. 
• Kaboly mentions the Steelers could trade K Chris Boswell to the Bears. 
• Steelers LB Vince Williams will remain one of the starters at inside linebacker despite the addition of free-agent Mark Barron and first-round rookie Devin Bush, though he’ll see fewer snaps on passing downs. 
• Kaboly says Steelers DC Keith Butler is on the hot seat with the addition of assistant Teryl Austin.
• Kaboly writes that Steelers DT Javon Hargrave should receive an extension before the start of the regular season, though Pittsburgh only has around $1 million in space available which will necessitate some restructures. 
• Kaboly doesn’t think extending CB Joe Haden is a priority for the team.