AFC Notes: Aaron Rodgers, Shemar Stewart, Bengals, Ravens Draft Visits, Steelers

Bengals

Bengals DE Shemar Stewart only appeared in eight games last season and recorded just one sack. Cincinnati HC Zac Taylor said Stewart’s development remains a “priority for us,” and bringing in Boye Mafe won’t have a negative impact on Stewart. 

“His development is a priority for us,” Taylor said, via Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic. “We’re not trying to do anything to stunt the growth there. We’re trying to do everything we can for him to continue to grow and play a major role for us. So signing Boye really doesn’t do anything negatively for Shemar because we still have high expectations for him.”

Taylor isn’t concerned about whether there are enough snaps to go around with Stewart behind Mafe and Myles Murphy

“If you look at all the great defensive lines that have gone far in the playoffs, they’re loaded up front with depth,” Taylor said. “Yeah, there are starters, but there are also guys that are going to play you 40-50 snaps a game … I think there’s plenty (of snaps). Especially depending on games, whether you see more 12 personnel and you’re in base defense. We feel like we’re configured the right way now to get the right people on the field. Even if we’re in nickel, there’s plenty of opportunity for all those guys to play. I don’t worry about any of that.”

Ravens

Steelers

The future of Aaron Rodgers remains a topic of discussion as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches. When asked about his talks with Rodgers, Steelers HC Mike McCarthy said he’s still confident about Rodgers returning, but it’s still the quarterback’s decision in the end. 

“I’m confident,” McCarthy said, via PFT. “But at the end of the day, it’s a personal decision. I think we’re in a good space.”

McCarthy added that he’ll continue talking to Rodgers about his plans. 

“It’s going good,” McCarthy said. “It’s been very positive, and we’ll just continue to talk. We talk regularly.”

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