AFC North Notes: Browns, Ravens, Steelers

Browns

Browns QB Baker Mayfield feels this offseason has been “definitely a lot different” for him given he is the official starting quarterback for Cleveland. 

“It’s definitely a lot different going into this week knowing that I’m starting the game. Last year, I prepared like I was gonna play though. But the game has definitely slowed down for me, so the preparation has been different,” said Mayfield, via the Akron Beacon Journal. 

Mayfield added that he has been able to give his “input” on the Browns’ offense, which he was unable to do last offseason. 

“I think this offseason was very beneficial to be the guy going into it and being able to give my input on certain things and concepts,” said Mayfield. 

• Per Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot, the Browns elected to keep P Jamie Gillan over Britton Colquitt because ST coordinator Mike Priefer though Gillan had a higher ceiling: “The sky’s the limit for him.”
• Priefer said while RBs D’Ernest Johnson and Dontrell Hilliard would be the primary returners, the Browns could also use either Odell Beckham or Jarvis Landry situationally. (Nate Ulrich)
• Beckham is dealing with a hip injury that has prevented him from opening up and sprinting during practice, but he plans to push through it and hope adrenaline takes over Sunday. (Cabot)
• Landry says Beckham should be fine: “He still probably runs the fastest in the room. He’s a competitor. He’s gonna be ready Sunday and give the team all he’s got.” (Scott Petrak)

Ravens

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson grew up and played his high school football in the Miami era. So it’s only fitting that as the Ravens debut their new-look offense with Jackson as the centerpiece, it’s against the Dolphins in Week 1. 

“Hopefully that it’s the best offense they’ve ever seen,” Jackson said via Clifton Brown of the team website. “That’s what I’m going for.”

The Ravens went out and signed Mark Ingram away from the Saints during free agency to be their lead back. However, Baltimore has a full stable of runners behind Ingram who could see the field, including 2018 breakout UDFA Gus Edwards and fourth-round rookie Justice Hill.

“We’ll probably kinda see who’s got the hot hand,” Ravens OC Greg Roman said via the team website. “Mark’s our starter. I think everybody is going to contribute. We really like all of our backs. The more guys we can get involved the better, so really excited about that group.”

• According to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero, Ravens CB Maurice Canady will make $26,000 per week on the practice squad. The minimum is $8,000.
• Ravens CB Cyrus Jones will return punts, while the team hasn’t decided who the primary kickoff returner will be. (Jamison Hensley)

Steelers

• The Athletic’s Ed Bouchette is surprised the Steelers aren’t starting LB Devin Bush, though he expects the first-round rookie to still get a good amount of playing time. 
• Bouchette doesn’t believe a poor record to start the season will result in the Steelers firing HC Mike Tomlin.
• Bouchette mentions the Steelers could look to add another tight end following Week 1 when they don’t have to guarantee a veteran’s salary.
• Steelers S Sean Davis missed practice again Thursday, putting S Kameron Kelly in line to start Sunday night against the Patriots. (Ray Fittipaldo)