NFL Notes: Cardinals, Colts, Ravens, Redskins, Steelers

Cardinals

• Josh Weinfuss isn’t sure if the Cardinals will re-sign OLB Sam Acho next year
• However, Weinfuss can see Arizona bringing back CB Antonio Cromartie for a salary worth about $5.5 million or so given how important he’s been for their defense.
• Based on the money the Cardinals have already committed to QB Carson Palmer, Weinfuss expects them to move forward with him as their starter next season.
• One thing to watch, according to Weinfuss, is whether or not they part ways with Drew Stanton to give rookie Logan Thomas more opportunities.

Colts

• Mike Wells of ESPN believes Jonathan Newsome can be the team’s future edge rusher.
• Wells mentions that the Colts would be wise to consider looking for upgrades at running back next year as Vick Ballard and Ahmad Bradshaw have both dealt with numerous injuries.
• According to Wells, it’s safe to say that Rob Chudzinski would be the “front runner” to take over for Pep Hamilton as the Colts’ offensive coordinator if he leaves for a new opportunity.
• The Colts could face a tough decision regarding which tight end to re-sign —  Dwayne Allen or Coby Fleener.

Ravens

• Jamison Hensley admits that former first-round pick S Matt Elam is headed in that direction of being a bust, but adds that it’s still too soon to say for certain.
• Hensley doesn’t see Baltimore making a defensive scheme change next year and instead expects them to continue using a 3-4 defense.

Redskins

• John Keim of ESPN mentions that if the Redskins give QB Robert Griffin III another year, it will be because of the investment they made when they traded for the rights to draft him, as well as support from the front office and owner.
• Keim doesn’t see any way Rex Ryan comes to Washington to run their defense next year.

Steelers

• ESPN’s Scott Brown believes it’s fair to say that the Steelers’ window to win Super Bowls with QB Ben Roethlisberger is “starting to close a little.”
• Brown adds that Roethlisberger probably still has another five good years left in him.