NFL Notes: Browns, Jaguars, Lions, Ravens

Browns

• Browns HC Hue Jackson told reporters on Friday that he wishes suspended WR Josh Gordon well, but wouldn’t say if he’ll welcome him back to the team. (Mary Kay Cabot)
• The NFL denied Gordon’s reinstatement petition earlier in the week, but he can re-apply this fall. (NFLTR)
• According to Jackson, Cody Kessler will “start us out” with reps during offseason workouts and training camp. (Mary Kay Cabot)
• Jackson added that said Brock Osweiler will have a “legit shot” to compete for the starting job this summer. (Mary Kay Cabot)
• Jackson did say that second-round QB DeShone Kizer will get a lot of reps too because he needs the time to develop. (Mary Kay Cabot)

Jaguars

• Ryan O’Halloran guesses that LT Branden Albert say the money handed out to free agent offensive tackles this offseason and felt his contract was not in line with what guys like Matt Kalil, Russell Okung, and Riley Reiff are making.
• The Jaguars increased their leverage by drafting Alabama’s Cam Robinson in round two, but O’Halloran believes it would still be “bad business” for Jacksonville to keep Albert as a backup, given his salary.
• However, if Albert fails to report to the team this summer, O’Halloran believes the Jaguars should make it clear that they’re moving forward with Robinson as their starting left tackle.

Lions

Lions HC Jim Caldwell explained that they decided to pick up TE Eric Ebron‘s fifth-year option because of the improvement he’s showed year to year.

“You take a look at it and see production, those kinds of things,” Caldwell said, via Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com. “…Every single year when you look at his output, he’s improved. He’s gotten better. If he improves at the same rate he’s improved the last two years, it’s going to be a pretty outstanding season for him.

“But he just keeps getting better. He keeps working at it and that’s what he has to do.”

Ravens

• Jamison Hensley writes that the Ravens aren’t necessarily focused on signing veteran C Nick Mangold and are instead “technically in a holding pattern.“
• Hensley adds that the Ravens are still believed to have interest in signing Mangold to a contract, but the hold up is likely due to money.
• Hensley believes Mangold could be looking for a salary in line with his past performance while Baltimore is likely looking for more of a bargain deal.
• In regards to the Ravens’ offensive line, Hensley mentions that right tackle is still the biggest need right now. Hensley lists King Dunlap, Ryan Clady, and Austin Pasztor as the best available offensive tackles.