Following Friday's early notes on the state of play in the East, here's more of the same for an AFC North that is going to look a lot different this year than last.
Baltimore Ravens
It isn't yet close to living up to the original, but this Lamar Jackson contract standoff sequel probably isn't how the Ravens wanted to start off their first summer under a new head coach in almost 20 years. While Jackson technically has no cash guarantees left on his current deal, the team gave him all the leverage when they kicked his cap number down the road; getting out of the Lamar business near-term would cripple Baltimore's ability to compete. Regardless, Jackson's apparent trust issues have not moderated with time — he would seem to prefer guarantees over assurances. Trade talk figures to cast a long shadow for awhile yet. ... An oft-injured holdover and Harbaugh favorite, veteran passing down specialist Justice Hill being shown the door would come as no surprise. It would also leave intriguing rookie Adam Randall virtually unchallenged as the direct backup to a 32-year-old running back. Wonder if he'll get mentioned in this year's magazine? ... Veteran Rashod Bateman is at a major crossroads: On the one hand, future Canton candidate De'Andre Hopkins was not re-signed. On the other, Baltimore put him on notice last month with the selection of two high upside receivers. Veteran deference will see him open camp with the ones, but Harbaugh isn't around to protect him anymore. With all their injury problems at the position, a reunion in New York is in the realm of possibilities.
Cincinnati Bengals
The only team in the division running it straight back despite missing the playoffs for a third consecutive season, the Bengals have no choice but to 'fake it until they make it'. Entering the summer without contract clouds hanging over either of the heads of stars Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the biggest question mark on that front is probably Zac Taylor. With only two years left on his deal, another season falling well short of expectations almost has to spell the end for his once-promising tenure. ... Having survived the turbulent Jermaine Burton era by disqualification, Andrei Iosivas once again has a rookie challenger for No. 3 duties in rookie Colbie Young. If he can subdue him quickly, there's a lot at stake for Iosivas in his walk year — Jalen Nailor started last summer in the same spot. ... Largely a gap year for Tahj Brooks as a rookie, as both veteran backs ahead of him remained healthy all season. If Brooks is going to make a move here then it's time to make it; Samaje Perine is a good player, but he's 31 and represents a million bucks in potential savings, something this owner is known to love. Brooks can't finish 2026 well behind him again — there's a scenario where Chase Brown isn't around in 2027.
Cleveland Browns
Better the devil you know? They've been careful to steer clear of even the appearance of a favorite, but there's a lot of wind blowing in the direction of Deshaun Watson breaking camp as the starter. He certainly won't have a long leash, but we should begin projecting this offense accordingly. ... With the depth chart around him suddenly crowded, Jerry Jeudy needs a strong camp to keep what's his. Stuff like this isn't helping his case. ... Coming back from a serious lower leg injury, Quinshon Judkins looks to be well on his way to a full recovery.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Breaking News: Aaron Rodgers stuns the football world. Kidding aside, Rodgers' foregone conclusion decision does actually throw a bit of a wrench into the rest of the depth chart. Already toting two quarterbacks on rookie deals that they purportedly like, Pittsburgh's recent investments in Rodgers and Allar have set the stage for Will Howard and Mason Rudolph to battle for one roster spot. ... As much as you can have a Twitter frenzy in May, Kaleb Johnson seeing first team reps last week triggered one. Probably nothing, but a good reminder not to assume too much about this pecking order with a new sheriff in town. ... Although he figures to once again be force fed perimeter routes yielding little reception volume like few others, DK Metcalf seeing early work from all alignments is a faint breath of good news for his outlook. Reminder: Metcalf has spent six of his seven NFL seasons downstream of Pete Carroll or Mike Tomlin; new OC Brian Angelichio hails from the motion-heavy coaching tree of Kevin O'Connell.
—Luke Wilson
