AFC Notes: Browns, Ravens, Steelers

Browns

• Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer mentions Browns DE Myles Garrett as a non-quarterback who could merit an extension this summer. 
• Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot believes money and length of contract are more likely as reasons free-agent DE Jadeveon Clowney reportedly balked at signing with the Browns than an overall unwillingness to come to Cleveland.
• Cabot says she’s not getting a vibe that free-agent LB Clay Matthews is in the Browns’ plans for 2020. 
• Browns DC Joe Woods deferred any questions about Clowney to Browns GM Andrew Berry, saying he was focused on the guys already on the roster: “Obviously he’s been a really great player in this league . . . that’s a question you have to ask Andrew. I see the articles too. . . . All I’m really focused on is coaching the guys we have.” (Daryl Ruiter)

Ravens

Ravens HC John Harbaugh explained that one of the areas they want to see QB Lamar Jackson improve is taking advantage of defenses stacking the box against them.

“Those corners are going to be one-on-one and those safeties are going to be one-on-one against receivers, especially on some downfield throws, and we got to make them pay for it. We absolutely have to make them pay,” Harbaugh said, via ESPN.com. “The ability to make them pay for tilting their defense toward stopping our run game with a really, really efficient passing game. I do believe that’s the next step of this offense. I really do believe Lamar is going to take the next step.”

Even so, Harbaugh mentioned that they’re not going to get away from their run-heavy attack.

“I wouldn’t say we’re going to scrap the run game and I wouldn’t say we’re going to become a more conventional offense — that’s the last thing we want to do,” Harbaugh said. “We didn’t change the offense to scrap the idea that we want to cause people problems. We just want to get better at taking advantage of weaknesses.”

Steelers

• The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly writes Steelers P Jordan Berry‘s job is likely safe in 2020 as the only competition Pittsburgh brought in was undrafted free agent rookie P Corliss Waitman. 
• Despite some speculation earlier this offseason, Kaboly says Steelers OT Matt Feiler is only an emergency option at guard and will stay at right tackle.