AFC Notes: Bengals, Jaguars, Patriots, Texans

Bengals

• A ruling regarding Bengals QB A.J. McCarron‘s free agent status is scheduled for this Thursday.
• McCarron is trying to become an unrestricted free agent and is challenging the Bengals’ decision to place him on the NFI list during his rookie season, which prevented him from getting the necessary amount of accrued service to become an unrestricted free agent.
• Should McCarron lose his grievance, the Bengals would likely place a second-round restricted tender on him in the coming weeks.

Jaguars

• The Jacksonville Jaguars announced Monday that they will wear new uniforms and helmets for the upcoming 2018 season.
• According to the Jaguars, the final design will be unveiled later this spring.

Patriots

• Mike Reiss of ESPN takes a look at six potential cap casualties to watch for the Patriots this offseason.
• Reiss’ list includes TE Dwayne Allen, TE Martellus Bennett, DT Alan Branch, RB Mike Gillislee, LB David Harris and LB Shea McClellin.

Texans

• Former Duke assistant coach Matt O’Donnell has joined the Texans’ coaching staff as a defensive assistant. (Aaron Wilson)