AFC Notes: Bengals, Browns, Steelers

Bengals

• Tyler Dragon of the Cincinnati Enquirer would be surprised if the Bengals and WR A.J. Green come to terms on an extension before the July 15 deadline for the franchise tag. 
• The team hasn’t seen a healthy Green on the field since the beginning of training camp last year, which increases the likelihood Green plays on the one-year, $17.9 million tag in 2020. 

Browns

• BrownsZone.com’s Scott Petrak says Cleveland will face an interesting dynamic with RB Nick Chubb in the near future as he enters the third year of his rookie deal.
• Chubb has proven himself as one of the best backs in the NFL and is by all accounts the perfect model the Browns want in a player on and off the field.
• However, he faces challenging running back market dynamics and has a concerning injury history of his own after a catastrophic knee injury in college. 
• While Browns owner Jimmy Haslem made it clear he doesn’t think the team needs to rebuild, Petrak thinks the unique circumstances of this offseason could help new HC Kevin Stefanski and GM Andrew Berry if they don’t start hot. 
• Petrak lists Browns TE Pharaoh Brown, fourth-round TE Harrison Bryant, G Drew Forbes, DT Andrew Billings and third-round LB Jacob Phillips as potential surprise starters in 2020. 

Steelers

Steelers LB Ulysees Gilbert said he will “be ready” for the 2020 season after recovering from a season-ending back injury last year. 

“I’m just excited for this year and for the chances I could have. I’m preparing for that time my name is called. Whenever that is, I’ll be ready,” said Gilbert, via SteelersWire. 

Gilbert called his 2019 season “very disappointing and upsetting” but believes he is coming out of his injury even healthier. 

“It was very disappointing and upsetting,” said Gilbert. “At the end of the day, I’m a firm believer in God, and that was his plan for me. I got some positives out of it. I’m healthier now and blessed to be in this position to come back.”

Entering his second season in the NFL, Gilbert said he cannot make “rookie mistakes” and is focused on making a “second-year jump.” 

“I’m not a rookie anymore, so I can’t make rookie mistakes — it’s not accepted,” said Gilbert. “It’s all about making that second-year jump that Coach T. always talks about. I want to grow from my rookie year in every way possible and be there for anything the team needs me to do on defense and special teams.” 

• NFL Media’s Jeffri Chadiha believes the Steelers would be a strong fit for free-agent QB Colin Kaepernick, as 2019 showed Pittsburgh has a hole at backup quarterback behind Ben Roethlisberger.