AFC North Notes: Browns, Ravens, Steelers

Browns

Browns GM Andrew Berry downplayed the idea of them being locked in on taking an offensive tackle in round one. The Browns signed Jack Conklin in free agency, presumably to play right tackle, but Berry pointed out Cleveland has options. 

“I would not make any assumptions regarding that,” Berry said, via Cleveland.com. “Like I mentioned, Jack has played left tackle before. Chris Hubbard has played left tackle before. Kendall Lamm has played left tackle. I would not make any assumptions about what we may or may not do moving forward. My goal is to make sure that we are adding talent across the roster and adding competition across the roster. That is something that we are looking forward to continuing to do over the next several months.”

Ravens

Despite the Ravens’ decision to release him this offseason, veteran S Tony Jefferson holds no will against the organization. In fact, he was so happy with his time in Baltimore that he helped pitch the team to former Cardinals teammate DL Calais Campbell when the veteran was weighing signing an extension to facilitate his trade from Jacksonville. 

“They know how I felt and I conducted myself in a way to show appreciation to how they conducted themselves to every player, not just the top players,” Jefferson said via the Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec. “That’s always something I’ll cherish for the rest of my playing days and beyond.”

Steelers

• Ed Bouchette believes this will be a make or break year for RB James Conner. Beyond that, Bouchette doesn’t think the Steelers will try to sign Conner to an extension, especially if they end up drafting a running back.
• According to Bouchette, the Steelers did not try to re-sign OL B.J. Finney, who departed in free agency.
• Bouchette says Pittsburgh may give Chukwuma Okorafor an opportunity to play left guard or they could have him compete with Zach Banner at right tackle with Matt Feiler moving to left guard.
• Regarding free agent addition Stefan Wisniewski, Bouchette mentions that they added him to Finney’s place as the backup swing between guard and center.
• The Steelers took WR Chad Jackson off their board back in 2006 when Jackson answered his phone during a meeting with then-HC Bill Cowher. (Ben Volin)