AFC Notes: Bengals, Ravens, Steelers

Bengals

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, citing sources within the Bengals, reported on SportsCenter that franchise WR A.J. Green is expected to play out the 2020 season under the tag while the two sides continue a “feeling-out-period” regarding a long-term extension. 

“He has not signed the tag. I’ve talked to some sources involved. They don’t know either if he’s going to or if a long-term deal is going to get done. They don’t sound overly optimistic in Cincinnati that their best pass-catcher will be locked up long-term. They expect that he’ll play this year under the tag. It’s sort of a feeling-out period for both parties because Green practiced all but five minutes last year with various injuries, including a foot issue, and so they still consider him one of the best wide receivers when healthy. They know he’s ready to go right now and finally healed up, so maybe a one-year pact is best for both parties,” said Fowler, via BleacherReport. 

• Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap believes that the Bengals may want to see how veteran WR A.J. Green plays with rookie QB Joe Burrow before making another long term commitment to him and is leaning towards there being no deal finalized between the two sides.

Ravens

• In addition to QB Lamar Jackson obviously, the Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec says LT Ronnie Stanley, WR Marquise Brown, EDGE Matt Judon and DE Calais Campbell are the top five most important Ravens for the 2020 season. 
• Judon and Campbell should form the core of Baltimore’s pass rush, while Stanley is the Ravens’ best offensive lineman and the team is hoping Brown can take a big step forward in his second season to help Jackson take the passing offense to the next level. 
• Zrebiec notes the Ravens gave 2019 third-round EDGE Jaylon Ferguson a vote of confidence by not adding any significant competition for him this offseason. The hope is he wins the starting job across from Judon. 
• Zrebiec writes there is budding optimism Ravens C Matt Skura is ready for Week 1 despite tearing three ligaments and dislocating his knee last November. 

Steelers

• Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap thinks that if Steelers LB Bud Dupree has a breakout season, he could be looking for a deal worth $17-18 million per year next season.
• Fitzgerald also adds that the Steelers have cap issues next year, so Dupree could likely become a free agent if he plays on the tender he signed back in April.
• According to Fitzgerald, the Steelers will likely make Dupree an offer this week that they deem fair, but Dupree may see that there is much more to gain playing on the tag.