AFC Notes: Ravens, Texans, Titans

Ravens

• The NFL and NFLPA are discussing a 2021 salary cap floor of $175 million, which is down from the $198.2 million this year. It’s possible that the figure could be pushed higher, depending on the revenue losses incurred by the league from the 2020 season.
• Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com projects the Ravens to have $30,998,287 of cap space next year, assuming the cap is set at $175 million.
• The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec writes Ravens WR Chris Moore‘s ability on special teams could ensure he sticks on the final roster. 
• While Zrebiec gives UDFA TE Jacob Breeland the edge for the third tight end slot ahead of fellow UDFA Eli Wolf and Charles Scarff, he notes Scarff’s experience in the system could give him an edge. 
• Zrebiec notes the battle on the offensive line will be fascinating given the Ravens’ youth and flexibility. He has veteran OT Andre Smith on the outside looking in but adds if Baltimore doesn’t like its backup options at tackle, Smith will stick. 
• On the interior, Zrebiec notes C Patrick Mekari and 2019 fourth-round G Ben Powers might not be locks and rookie UDFA C Trystan Colon-Castillo is a name to watch to push for a roster spot. 
• Zrebiec points out while it might be tough, there’s a good chance the Ravens try and find a place for DT Justin Ellis as a sixth defensive lineman. Meanwhile, 2019 fifth-round DL Daylon Mack has ground to make up for a roster spot, per Zrebiec. 
• At inside linebacker, Zrebiec believes Ravens LBs Chris Board and Otaro Alaka are competing for one spot. The team likes Alaka, an undrafted rookie in 2019, but Board’s role on special teams could give him the edge. 
• The tough calls continue in the secondary, with Zrebiec projecting Ravens CB Anthony Averett to make the team ahead of last year’s fourth-round CB Iman Marshall and key special teamer and S Jordan Richards missing the cut. 

Texans

The Texans have already begun the reporting process, as their rookies were among the first to check-in and go through the NFL’s new protocols as the league attempts to continue through the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike an ordinary offseason, this was the first time any of Houston’s rookies had been at the team facility since joining the team. Texans HC Bill O’Brien said that’s part of why teams are expecting it to be harder for rookies in 2020. 

“It’s going to be a difficult year for younger players,” O’Brien said via Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. “With no preseason games, and less practice, especially having no rookie minicamps and no OTAs in the spring, you’re gonna have to get down to who your team is faster than you have in the past and get your team ready to go, and do it in an intelligent way. I’ve had discussions with a lot of different guys on our team.”

O’Brien explained how the lack of on-field time will hurt long-shot players who now will have almost no chance to prove themselves. 

“One of our leaders is Dylan Cole. In 2017 he was a rookie tryout guy. He stood out to us and then we brought him on to the 90-man, and he played well in the preseason that year, and he made our team, and now he’s a special teams captain. That’s going to be hard for a guy to do this year. That’s just how I see it. It’s not that it can’t be done, it’s just going to be more difficult.”

• The NFL and NFLPA are discussing a 2021 salary cap floor of $175 million, which is down from the $198.2 million this year. It’s possible that the figure could be pushed higher, depending on the revenue losses incurred by the league from the 2020 season.
• Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com projects the Texans to have $160,680 of cap space next year, assuming the cap is set at $175 million.

Titans

• Jim Wyatt of the Titans’ official site still does not expect them to re-sign veteran free agent CB Logan Ryan.
• As for the possibility of the Titans signing DE Jadeveon Clowney or other free agents, Wyatt believes Tennessee wants to evaluate their roster before signing any new players.
• The NFL and NFLPA are discussing a 2021 salary cap floor of $175 million, which is down from the $198.2 million this year. It’s possible that the figure could be pushed higher, depending on the revenue losses incurred by the league from the 2020 season.
• Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com projects the Titans to have $15,881,092 of cap space next year, assuming the cap is set at $175 million.