AFC North mailbag

March, 5, 2009
Mar 5
3:00
PM ET
Print
By James Walker

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

Jazzy General from LA writes: James: Just starting to read your blog & appreciate the insights!! Huge Steelers fan here but actually have a Bengals question?? What is the rationale for spending $7 million a year for Coles & not spending $8 million a year for TJ (like Seattle just did)?? You have a known commodity in TJ & let him walk for $1 million a year more?? What am I missing here?? Or are they truly the "Bungals"??


James Walker: Good question, Jazzy General. In fairness to the Bengals, it's not 100-percent certain they did not offer Houshmandzadeh a similar deal to Seattle's, but I doubt that was the case. The lengths of the deals--four years for Coles and five for Houshmandzadeh--makes the total value a difference of $12 million. That's the most significant reason.


Justin from Cleveland writes: James, I was wondering if the Browns are targeting Brown as an upgrade at center/guard? How does he compare to Hank Fraley and Rex Hadnot? Thanks, Justin

James Walker: The Browns are certainly monitoring both positions and will make a run at improving it. Don't expect a major signing, but there will be competition added to center, right guard and right tackle. I'm still a little baffled how quickly Cleveland went from the top offensive line to one of the worst in just one season. I guess that's the nature of the league.


Mark from Charlotte writes: Hey James...thanks for the NFL fix each and every day! Mike Tomlin has been nothing short of spectacular in leading the Steelers the past two seasons. Does he make the call to keep Gary Russell and Carey Davis as the return men on kickoffs? I just don't see these guys breaking a big return. They are secure ball carriers but we lose that big play possibility. Just curious to hear your thoughts! Here we go!


James Walker: It's highly unlikely that you will see the same kickoff returners next season, Mark. Pittsburgh will bring in someone through the draft or free agency to take care of that. Rashard Mendenhall also could be a candidate to return kickoffs next season.


Mercury from Baltimore writes: Hey James I was wondering and I know its a stretch but what do you think about the Ravens trying to go after Marvin Harrison. I'm thinking his price tag shouldn't be that much since he is 36 and on the down slide of his career.

James Walker: Harrison is not a good fit, Mercury. The Ravens need fast receiver who will help them get younger at the position. Harrison would do neither for Baltimore.


Mike from Kent, OH writes: James, first off I love your blog and I read it every day. Im from Pittsburgh but go to school in Kent, near Cleveland, and I've been catching an earful about James Harrison. You said before not to worry but I am, does he resign? He has to! This guy has the attitude of Pittsburgh written all over him!

James Walker: Relax, Mike. Harrison is not a free agent, first of all. He's under contract through 2010. But I expect the Steelers to get a deal to get done with him. Many of the parameters are set, such as the length of the deal. The biggest question, as usual, is money. But they will reach a middle ground at some point. But as I noted Tuesday, these big contracts handed to defensive players such as Bart Scott and Albert Haynesworth are not helping the negotiations.

Sort comments by: Most Recent | First Posted