AFC Notes: Jets, Ravens, Steelers

Jets

• Some have wondered why the Jets would sign veteran QB Josh McCown when they intended to get younger across the board this year.
• ESPN’s Rich Cimini explains that the Jets wanted to a cheap, experienced game manager at quarterback when they decided to sign McCown this offseason.
• Cimini adds that McCown isn’t going to create issues when/if he’s benched in favor of Christian Hackenberg or Bryce Petty, brings experience in a West Coast-style offense and has worked under Jeremy Bates in the past.
• According to Cimini, McCown will essentially be “the highest-paid babysitter ($6 million) in the history of mankind.“

Ravens

According to Jamison Hensley, TE Nick Boyle is a sleeper candidate to replace veteran TE Dennis Pitta, who suffered a third hip injury this week, this season.

Doyle believes he can “do it all” and offers size and good hands at the position.

“I think I can do it all,” Boyle said. “I think I can do all those things — blocking, catching the ball. Whatever they ask you to do, that is kind of what you want to go do. Whether it is block every time you are in there or run 100 routes, whatever they tell you to do, you come in and just go with it.”

“Since coming here, I think I have improved a lot on my route running and everything,” Boyle said. “There is still a lot to improve on, which we see every day and I get reminded of, but is definitely night and day from my rookie season until this year. I feel a lot more comfortable.”

Steelers

• Jeremy Fowler considers franchise RB Le’Veon Bell to be a prime candidate to become the first player extended before the start of the regular season.
• Fowler mentions that deadlines tend to create momentum for deals in the NFL and the Steelers have until July 15 to negotiate with Bell.
• According to Fowler, Steelers LT Alejandro Villanueva is a “wildcard” to get a new deal.
• While the Steelers reportedly view DL Stephon Tuitt as a priority, Fowler says that his deal may come last.