AFC Notes: Bengals, Browns, Ravens

Bengals

Bengals HC Zac Taylor said drafting second-round WR Tee Higgins does not reflect the standing of franchise WR A.J. Green on their roster and looks forward to coaching him “for a long time.”

“This is just adding another weapon to the group,” Taylor said, via Ben Baby of ESPN. “Again, we really like A.J. Green and look forward to coaching him this year. We want him here for a long time. This in no way, shape or form affects what we think about A.J.”

Back in January, Green wasn’t happy about receiving the franchise tag but added, “we’ll see what happens” with his situation going forward. 

“When you put that on me, then that’s what you’re showing me — you only want me for one year,” Green said. “And I always play with a chip on my shoulder. We’ll see what happens.”

Browns

• Former NFL agent Joel Corry points out that Browns DE Myles Garrett‘s five-year, $125 million extension contract includes a double option bonus structure, which is something “rarely used.” 
• Garrett said he’s ready to live up to his billing as the highest-paid defender in NFL history after signing his extension: “I’ve just got to prove I’m worth it. I’ve got to assert myself as the top dawg and I’m confident I’m ready to do that.” (Nate Ulrich)
• After he missed the final six games of the season due to a suspension for clubbing Steelers QB Mason Rudolph with his own helmet, Garrett acknowledged he’s ready for that to be used against him in 2020: “That’s just life, you have one mistake and people are going to come after you, I’m going to keep playing my game and not worry about what people are going to say and do.” (Ulrich)

Ravens

• Per Jonas Shaffer of the Baltimore Sun, Ravens TE Mark Andrews says he intends to play in 2020 despite being a Type I diabetic and thus at a higher risk from COVID-19: “We’ve got a big year coming up. I want to be able to do a lot of things, and … just being able to help this team win is exciting for me.”
• The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec points out the Ravens have just one edge rusher under contract beyond 2020 — 2019 third-rounder Jaylon Ferguson.
• Ravens EDGEs Matt Judon, Pernell McPhee, Tyus Bowser and Jihad Ward are all eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2021. Whether it’s re-signing Judon or spending other premium assets, Zrebiec says the Ravens will need to address edge rusher next offseason. 
• Now that the deadline to extend Judon on the tag has passed, Zrebiec expects the Ravens to turn their focus toward getting a long-term deal with LT Ronnie Stanley done. If they can’t, he says Stanley takes priority for the tag next offseason over Judon. 
• Other potential 2021 free agents to consider include CB Jimmy Smith, WR Willie Snead, C Matt Skura and DL Derek Wolfe.