AFC Notes: Bengals, Jaguars, Steelers

Bengals

Matt Barkley is on his fifth team in six seasons since entering the NFL and he thinks his experience working in a number of offensive schemes will help out quite a bit when it comes to securing a job this summer.

“There are elements of what we did in Philadelphia and there are elements of the west coast passing game that I’ve done in other offenses too,” Barkley said of the team’s offensive system, via Bengals.com. “I think my experience will help a lot.

“(Coach Bill Lazor) is one of the reasons why I was attracted to sign here. I’ve so far loved my time being with him – he’s a guy that shoots you straight and isn’t going to sugarcoat things. He’s not a ‘yes’ man and I don’t like coaches like that. I like someone who will spur you on and goad you when they need to motivate you.”

Barkley added that he knew the Bengals were the right fit for him this offseason, given that the system is a fit and he’s worked with Andy Dalton in the past.

“I’ve known Andy for four or five years now,” Barkley said. “We’ve trained together in the off-season and done a bunch of different events over the years. I knew it would be a good QB room and a system that would fit me well.”

Jaguars

• Mike Kaye of First Coast News could see the Jaguars investing in a veteran running back before or during training camp and mentions DeMarco Murray, Alfred Morris, and Orleans Darkwa as potential fits for the team’s “ground and pound” style of offense.
• Regarding the Jaguars re-signing LB Dante Fowler, Kaye does not think the team will pursue a contract with during training camp or the preseason. Instead, Kaye thinks Jacksonville will wait and see how Fowler performs in his third year removed from an ACL tear.
• Kaye admits that Fowler could secure more money and a better opportunity with another team if he puts together an impressive 2018 season.

Jets

• According to Brian Costello of the New York Post, the Jets are counting on LB Darron Lee to make big strides this season with HC Todd Bowles saying that he expects Lee to show the most improvement of any player.
• Costello mentions that the Jets plan to give Lee more responsibility this year and will have him call the majority of their defensive plays.
• Regarding Lee’s fifth-year option for the 2020 season, Costello writes that it is “likely right now, but not a certainty” the team exercises the option.