AFC North Notes: Bengals, Ravens, Steelers

Bengals

Bengals new HC Zac Taylor reiterated that he believes Andy Dalton is the right quarterback to run his offense. 

“I do,” Taylor said, via Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com. “I’ve watched Andy for a really long time, dating back to his days at TCU. I’ve always been impressed with the way he plays the game. I’ve always known he’s a smart guy. We haven’t had a chance to meet on football or anything like that. But I do know that he’ll be able to quickly master this offense. He gets the ball out on time, he’s accurate, he’s got good athleticism.”

When asked about the issues he’s experienced finding a defensive coordinator, Taylor said: “No [timetable], just need the right person.”

Ravens

• Jamison Hensley doesn’t see the Ravens franchising ILB C.J. Mosley before the March 5 deadline, but they are interested in re-signing him to a long-term deal. 
• Hensley adds that both the Ravens and Mosley’s camp are optimistic about getting a deal done this offseason. 
• Jeff Zrebiec lists WR Michael Crabtree, CB Jimmy Smith and S Eric Weddle as the three players to keep an eye on in the coming weeks in terms of potential cap casualties for the Ravens. 
• According to Zrebiec, G Marshal Yanda, CB Brandon Carr, S Anthony Levine and P Sam Koch are likely safe, but there’s always a chance a surprise move could be made. 
• Zrebiec considers Robert Griffin III to be a “logical bet” to return as the team’s backup quarterback. 
• Other impending free agents could prioritize re-signing, according to Zrebiec, include TE Nick Boyle, TE Maxx Williams and OLB Terrell Suggs. 
• Zrebiec says the Ravens will part ways with a “significant number” of their own free agents including RBs Buck Allen and Ty Montgomery.

Steelers

• Mark Kaboly mentions that while WR Golden Tate isn’t typically the kind of player the Steelers target in free agency (age, third contract), he would be a perfect fit if Antonio Brown is traded.
• Jeremy Fowler predicts the Steelers will ultimately pass on using the transition tag on RB Le’Veon Bell and allow him to depart in free agency.