AFC Notes: Browns, Ravens, Steelers

Browns

Browns GM Andrew Berry praised QB Baker Mayfield‘s work this offseason and feels the quarterback is “up to speed mentally” with their offense. 

“Baker has really been outstanding this entire spring and summer – level of engagement with the coaching staff, getting up to speed mentally with the system and his interaction with his teammates,” said Berry, via Mary Kay Cabot. “He came back and added four pounds of lean mass, cut body fat and came back in terrific shape.”

Berry added that Mayfield has done well “creating community” amongst the Browns’ organization. 

“I know he’s really excited about the upcoming season, and he’s done a really nice job of what I would call almost creating community and really bringing guys together, as difficult as that can be as everybody has really been trying to function virtually. We’re all really excited about him entering the year.”

Ravens

• Ravens HC John Harbaugh told reporters on Friday that as of now, the plan will be to keep three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster. However, Harbaugh added that there are still things to be sorted out. (Jeff Zrebiec)
• As for whether they’ll quarantine quarterbacks or any other position groups, Harbaugh said: “We’ve talked about it. The options are on the table. All of those types of moves come with counter-issues. You have to balance that out. You have to use common sense.” (Jamison Hensley)
• Harbaugh said C Matt Skura remains on the same timetable as they initially had for him, which was for him to be placed on the active/PUP list: “He’s right on schedule. We expect him to be out there soon.” (Jeff Zrebiec)
• New DL Calais Campbell said it’s been a “pretty easy” transition for him since joining Baltimore: “It’s been a pretty easy transition for the most part. I feel good. It’s only been two weeks now, but there’s definitely been a lot of fun in the locker room.” (https://twitter.com/jeffzrebiec/status/1291765062932279302Jeff Zrebiec)

Steelers

Mark Kaboly of The Athletic believes that this could be the last season that linebackers T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree are together on the Steelers, and adds that this final year could be critical for the duo that posted 26 combined sacks in 2019.

Steelers DC Keith Butler is hoping that young players like rookie LB Alex Highsmith will be able to contribute in case they will be taking over next season.

“We’re hopeful that some of these young guys can come along,” Butler said, via Kaboly. “Alex Highsmith, we drafted him in the third round. We like what he looks like right now. I want to see what he does when we get pads on. He seems to be a very sharp kid. I think he can help us with depth in terms of the outside linebackers.”

Kaboly also notes that the Steelers made a significant investment by letting Dupree play on the franchise tag for nearly $16 million and that they don’t have any money tied up in the position next season, which is likely to change by September 2021, when Watt is set for an extension that could easily surpass $100 million.

• The Athletic’s Ed Bouchette believes the Steelers will eventually work out new deals for Watt and DL Cameron Heyward, while Dupree, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster and RB James Conner end up leaving and signing elsewhere.