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Here are the most interesting stories Wednesday in the AFC North:

• Here is another column pitting Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning against Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Morning take: This is suddenly a hot topic in media circles. So take your pick.

• Will Cleveland Browns tailback Jerome Harrison generate a buzz in free agency?

Morning take: Harrison could garner some interest. But after leading the team in rushing last season, Cleveland probably won't allow it.

• The Detroit Lions signed former Cincinnati Bengals running back DeDe Dorsey.

Morning take: Dorsey has always been athletic but didn't get many chances to show what he can do. Let's see if he gets enough opportunities in Detroit.

• The Baltimore Ravens tight end and pending free agent Quinn Sypniewski had minor knee surgery.

Morning take: Sypniewski's major knee injury two years ago was unfortunate. Now he has to prove he's healthy again before he gets another shot.

And the Peyton Manning pile-on continues.

John Harris of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review wrote an interesting column Tuesday, saying he would take Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger over Manning of the Indianapolis Colts.

For the past two weeks, Manning was often being called the greatest quarterback of all time. But after Sunday's loss in the Super Bowl, everyone is suddenly down on the Colts star.

Is "Big Ben" better than Manning?

Read the column and share your thoughts below.

Join me for an AFC North chat Tuesday at 4 p.m.

Now that the football season has officially ended, we will shift our focus to the draft and free agency as it pertains to the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers.

See you there.

There is a lot of talk about Terrell Owens coming to the Cincinnati Bengals next month in free agency. So in our latest version of "Thought of the Day" in the AFC North, we gave our community a chance to play virtual general manager for Cincinnati.

With a glaring need at receiver, would you sign T.O. to the Bengals or stay away from the controversial receiver?

We know Bengals Pro Bowler Chad Ochocinco wants Owens on his team. But here were some responses from our AFC North inbox:

Chris from Dallas, TX, writes: The Bengals do not need Ocho-Uno on their squad. While he still may have some gas in the tank at 36, he has ruined teams in the past and the Bengals seem to have finally gotten their locker room in order. Also, they need young receiving threats. You might be able to cover the trio of Ochocinco, Laveranues Coles, and T.O. with the cast of Golden Girls.

Scott Tyler from West Chester, Ohio, writes: T.O. to the Bengals only works if we release Coles. I can't see us keeping his salary and taking on a salary T.O. would expect. I do think they would be a dynamic duo and add in a speedy rookie to run in the slot (Mardy Gilyard, Jordan Shipley, Golden Tate). Now we're talking offense.

Ed from Shepherdstown, WV, writes: Of course getting T.O. can only help make the Bengals all that more of a "me" team. I hope that T.O. will go to the Bungals. It will just make the Steelers (my team) and the other three teams in the division better because it will weaken the Bungals! Although, T.O. is a great athlete, he is a loser and a cancer in the locker room, ask Donovan McNabb!

Douglas from Columbus, OH, writes: Law of Economics--The greater the risk, the greater the reward. I think the Bengals have nothing to lose and everything to gain if they pick Owens up. They could either self-combust and become really bad (we've seen this face of the Bengals before), or benefit from his talent and become a REAL contender. I am willing to flip the coin on this guy.

Bill K. from Columbus, Ohio, writes: Regarding whether Terrell Owens would sign with the Bengals, the answer is very simple: T.O. wouldn't play for what Mike Brown wants to pay.

Jeremy from Evansville, IN writes: I wouldn't rule it out. Not to many teams are going to be on the market for the 36-year-old receiver whose game has declined. Let's also not forget that the Bengals signed Larry Johnson mid-season even though he had been considered a controversial locker room presence. So I would not rule it out. Owens would also complement Ochocinco and Laveranues Coles well.

Adam from Miami writes: No sir, I don’t like it. Could it work? Yes. Would it free us up in next year’s draft to focus on defensive depth? Yes. But no sir, I don’t like it.

Jason from Denver, CO, writes: Why would the Bengals waste a one-year deal on an over-the-hill diva when they can acquire one with some career left right here in Denver?

AFC North final word

James Walker: I am really torn on this one. As Douglas from Columbus, Ohio mentioned, this is the ultimate risk-reward situation for the Bengals. There are plenty of factors such age, chemistry concerns and money that tells me T.O. wouldn't work in Cincinnati. But I also have a strange, gut feeling that the Bengals would be an ideal landing spot for Owens. Cincinnati obviously has an immediate need, and the Ochocinco factor (the two are very good friends) may actually be an advantage in keeping Owens in line. I need more time to think this one through. The answer isn't clearly "yes" or clearly "no" for me at this point.

If you have any additional comments on this topic or future ideas for "Thought of the Day" posts, feel free to send them to our AFC North inbox.

As the reigning Super Bowl champions, the New Orleans Saints are guaranteed a nationally-televised home opener on Thursday night next season.

So here's a suggestion: How about the Pittsburgh Steelers against New Orleans in Week 1?

This high-profile game would pit the past two Super Bowl champions and a classic meeting between a high-powered offense versus a great defense. Quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger and Drew Brees have three combined Super Bowl titles and are undefeated in the big game.

Pittsburgh is one of the top teams on New Orleans' home schedule next season. In addition to the Steelers, the only other teams on the Saints' home slate with winning records last season are the Atlanta Falcons and the Minnesota Vikings.

Minnesota-New Orleans would be an interesting rematch of the NFC title game. But if Vikings quarterback Brett Favre retires, this game loses all of its luster. (Possibly Tarvaris Jackson vs. Brees? No thanks.)

But Steel Town meets Bourbon Street? That sounds like a 2010 opener worth watching.

The NFL should make this happen when the schedules are released this spring.

Here are the most interesting stories Tuesday in the AFC North:

• University of Cincinnati star Mardy Gilyard says it's a "dream" to play for the Bengals.

Morning take: The Bengals need a receiver but Gilyard would be too high to take with the No. 21 overall pick. Unless he falls late in the second or third round, this probably won't be a match.

• Could the recently released Donte' Stallworth be an option for the Baltimore Ravens?

Morning take: Someone will take a chance on Stallworth, but I'm not sure the Ravens are the right fit. Baltimore needs receivers who are guaranteed to make an immediate impact next season.

• Cleveland Browns president Mike Holmgren was around great football minds early in his career with the San Francisco 49ers.

Morning take: It doesn't get much better than learning offense under Bill Walsh. Holmgren now brings his variety of experiences and knowledge to Cleveland.

• The Pittsburgh Steelers have solid odds to win next year's Super Bowl.

Morning take: This shows confidence that 2010 could be a bounce-back year for Pittsburgh. Let's see what the Steelers do with the draft and free agency.

Here are the latest happenings Monday evening in the AFC North:

• The Cleveland Browns reportedly have interest in Florida cornerback Joe Haden.
• Cincinnati Bengals Rey Maualuga, Domata Peko and Jonathan Fanene traveled back to Samoa and donated money and clothing to their native country.
• The Baltimore Ravens have 20-to-1 odds to win next year's Super Bowl.
• Former Pittsburgh Steelers backup quarterback Byron Leftwich will be inducted in the Marshall University Hall of Fame.

As expected, the Cleveland Browns terminated the contract of veteran receiver Donte' Stallworth Monday. He was reinstated following the Super Bowl by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.

Stallworth served a one-year suspension following a DUI manslaughter case in Florida that resulted in the death of 59-year-old Mario Reyes. Stallworth also served 24 days in jail this past summer.

The Browns signed Stallworth to a $35 million contract in 2008. That year he recorded 17 receptions for 170 yards in 11 games. The release officially makes Stallworth an unrestricted free agent.

Let's get to some questions on the Baltimore Ravens from our always booming AFC North inbox.

Curtiss Jarvis from Sunbury, Ohio, writes: What do you think the odds are that the Ravens will trade quarterback Troy Smith? What do you think his trade value will be?

James Walker: There is a better than 50 percent chance of a trade taking place, Curtiss. Both sides are open to it. Now the Ravens and Smith just need to find the right team willing to give up a suitable amount. The trade value question is always difficult, because it's really dependent on the teams and its need for Smith. A team with a major need at quarterback, such as the Buffalo Bills for instance, might be willing to give up a third-rounder. Another team may only be willing to trade a fourth- or fifth-round pick. So there is no firm way to answer that question.

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Mo from Essex, Maryland, wants to know if the Ravens will go get Denver Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall.

Walker: It would be an upset if Baltimore lands Marshall this offseason, especially if the Ravens give up a first- and third-round pick for him. General manager Ozzie Newsome doesn't believe in giving away high draft picks, so I don't see him pulling off that deal. If, for whatever reason, the Broncos were willing to lower their asking price, the Ravens would be more interested.

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David Gerstman from Baltimore writes: Is there a limit to what Jim Zorn can do if the Ravens don't upgrade their pass-catchers?

Walker: Zorn should do a great job with quarterback Joe Flacco. But, yes, both would benefit from a stronger receiver corps. I do expect the Ravens to find an upgrade at receiver this offseason. The group currently is not good enough to win a championship.

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Andy K from Burlington, N.C., is curious if Ravens safety Ed Reed will retire, skip camps, then un-retire to join the team?

Walker: Anything is possible, but I doubt that scenario plays out with Reed, Andy. Reed is very thoughtful and his decision, either way, likely will be final. Knowing Reed's personality, I think the last thing he wants to create is a Brett Favre-like situation in Baltimore.

In the past week, receiver Chad Ochocinco has played virtual general manager of the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Pro Bowler recently made several public overtures for the Bengals to sign fellow receiver Terrell Owens this offseason. Owens will be a free agent next month.

Therefore, in our latest version of "Thought of the Day" we ask our AFC North community whether Owens and the Bengals could actually work?

The Bengals struggled passing the ball last year and need another dangerous threat opposite Ochocinco. Can Owens fill that void with his playmaking ability?

What about chemistry issues? Owens proved to be problematic in the past. Would having him and Ochocinco in the same locker room be too much for a young team like the Bengals to handle?

Send your "Thought of the Day" comments on why Owens and the Bengals would or would not work below or to our AFC North inbox. We will run the best responses during the week.

Here are the most interesting stories Monday in the AFC North:

• Former Baltimore Ravens kicker Matt Stover came up short in the Indianapolis Colts' Super Bowl loss to the New Orleans Saints.

Morning take: Stover, 42, made history by becoming the oldest player to participate in a Super Bowl. But to lose the game had to be bittersweet.

• It was another great decade of football for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Morning take: With the Colts losing Sunday, Pittsburgh remains just one of two teams, joining the New England Patriots, to win multiple Super Bowls in the decade.

• Don't forget new Hall of Famer Dick LeBeau also made an impact with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Morning take: LeBeau was elected to the Hall of Fame for his playing days with the Detroit Lions. But if he had to make a choice as coach, would he represent the Bengals or Steelers?

• Can the Cleveland Browns get the type of quarterback play it takes to turn the franchise around?

Morning take: It's very difficult to win championships in today's NFL without solid play from that position. Mike Holmgren's knowledge of quarterbacks will be put to the test early in Cleveland.

Cincinnati Bengals rookie linebacker Rey Maualuga will spend at least 30 days in a rehab center in California, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Maualuga was arrested on Jan. 29 and later pleaded guilty to a DUI charge after hitting two parked cars and a parking meter. On Wednesday, the AFC North blog reported that Maualuga met with NFL officials to discuss the situation.

At this point the league has not determined if Maualuga will face a suspension to begin the 2010 season.

One of the top centers of all-time will continue to play the waiting game.

Thirteen-year Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Dermontti Dawson, who made seven consecutive Pro Bowls from 1992-98, was once again passed over for the Hall of Fame. This was the sixth consecutive time he failed to make it to Canton since becoming eligible in 2005.

Dawson made the cut from 15 to 10 finalists this year. But Dawson wasn't part of the five inductees that included Jerry Rice, Emmitt Smith, Russ Grimm, John Randle and Rickey Jackson. Senior nominees Dick LeBeau and Floyd Little also are part of the 2010 class.

This year was perhaps the closest Dawson came to making the Hall of Fame. He also was a finalist in 2008 and a semifinalist in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2009.

There is an impressive backlog of players currently not in the Hall of Fame. In addition to Dawson, strong candidates such as Cris Carter, Cortez Kennedy, Richard Dent, Andre Reed, Charles Haley, Tim Brown and Roger Craig were all rejected this year alone.

Several more impressive candidates such as Marshall Faulk, Deion Sanders, Jonathan Ogden and Jerome Bettis also will be eligible very soon. That will further congest the Hall of Fame voting process, which doesn't help Dawson's candidacy.

Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II released a statement Saturday evening on Dick LeBeau's induction into the Hall of Fame.

The 2010 class will be inducted on Saturday, Aug. 7, at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio.

"I would like to congratulate Dick on his election into the Pro Football Hall of Fame," Rooney II said in the statement. "Few men in the history of the NFL have contributed more to the league as a player and coach than Dick LeBeau during his 51 years in the league. All of us with the Steelers are thrilled with his selection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2010."

LeBeau will be joined by Jerry Rice, Emmitt Smith, John Randle, Russ Grimm, Rickey Jackson and Floyd Little.

Dick LeBeau -- the player and longtime defensive back for the Detroit Lions -- was voted into the Hall of Fame on Saturday.

But make no mistake: It was LeBeau's lengthy and stellar coaching career which, directly or indirectly, helped get him over the hump.

LeBeau, 72, was a senior committee nominee. He will join an impressive 2010 class that includes Jerry Rice, Emmitt Smith, Russ Grimm, John Randle, Rickey Jackson and fellow senior nominee Floyd Little.

For many years, the Hall of Fame panel debated the merits of LeBeau's playing career, which is fair. He recorded 62 interceptions and made three Pro Bowls during his 14-year career.

But LeBeau, a first-time finalist, didn't become a better player since he retired in 1972. It was LeBeau's continual contributions to pro football after retirement that made his induction into Canton undeniable.

LeBeau is the most accomplished defensive coordinator in NFL history. He invented the "zone blitz," which helped win Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2005 and 2008. LeBeau also made it to three additional Super Bowls as a coach with Pittsburgh in 1995 and the Cincinnati Bengals in 1981 and 1988.

When the Hall of Fame panel had to vote "yes" or "no" on LeBeau the player, LeBeau the coach and overall contributor had to weigh on the back of voters’ minds whether they admit it or not.

I remember covering last year's Super Bowl between the Steelers and Arizona Cardinals when conversations about LeBeau and the Hall of Fame really began to heat up.

The talk had nothing to do with LeBeau's playing career, which ended more than three decades ago. But it had everything to do with LeBeau once again coaching an elite defense into the Super Bowl and how much he added to the game throughout his career. Ending the week by winning his second championship as defensive coordinator only added to his resume.

As a player and coach, a strong case can be made that no one has dedicated more of his life to pro football than Dick LeBeau. This summer pro football will return the favor and give its highest honor by inducting LeBeau into the Hall of Fame.