ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

The AFC North inbox is going bonkers this week.

Free agency has fans wondering what is going on with their favorites teams. In an effort to get to as many questions as possible, let's dig into more mail.

Ken from Los Angeles writes: With this massive "housh" smokescreen now behind us, whats the deal with ocho???

James Walker: It looks like Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Ocho Cinco is going to keep a low profile, Ken. There is no doubt that he wants to be traded, and agent Drew Rosenhaus reportedly sent a letter to the other 31 teams saying that Ocho Cinco is available. He wants a new contract extension and wants to play for a contender next season. I don't believe the Bengals are a match for him in either regard. The salary cap hit for the Bengals have decreased from $8 million last year to $4.865 million this year. That increases the chances of a trade significantly. But could the Bengals get equal value this year for Ocho Cinco? That's a major question and a reason he could remain in Cincinnati.

James from Scottsdale writes: Does this mean the Bengals will now draft Crabtree seeing as though the Seahawks no longer have a void at WR? Should they?

James Walker: The signing of Laveranues Coles probably rules that out, James, eventhough T.J. Houshmandzadeh bolted to Seattle. Cincinnati would still prefer an offensive tackle. Crabtree can't keep quarterback Carson Palmer upright and healthy, and that's the most important thing for Cincinnati. The Bengals also have three young receivers in Chris Henry, Andre Caldwell and Jerome Simpson. So there is depth at the position.

Elizabeth from Los Angeles writes: Hey James. Love the blog! I had a question regarding Antonio Cromartie. I heard he might be on the trading block. Is there any possible way the Ravens could get him and if so, what would they have to give up for him?

James Walker: Elizabeth, I also saw the report from San Diego but I find it hard to believe. Two years ago Cromartie was one of the best corners in the NFL. He struggled some last year, but I doubt it was so bad the Chargers want to run him out of town. I would be surprised if Cromartie was move to any team--much less the Ravens--next year.

Ez Ed from CinCity, Ohio writes: James, been reading your blog for a hot minute, love your coverage. I'm a Steeler fan stuck in the Nasti, and I got a question for ya... with the re-signing of Colon, Starks and Kemoeatu, and the fact the only time the Steelers get crazy is draft day, do you see them trading down, collecting picks and NOT going O-line early in the draft? Every mock has them taking OL, and I just can't see it now... We Need DL!

James Walker: Thanks for reading for a hot minute, Ed. Make sure you stick around for a good minute. Pittsburgh has more faith in its offensive line than I thought it would. Nearly everyone is back, except Kendall Simmons and Marvel Smith, and the team can field the same starting five if it chooses next season. The Steelers will still add depth and competition to the o-line, although it may not be in the first round. They have a history of trading up so I wouldn't rule it out. Be easy.

Hung from Fort Worth writes: Hey James! I have your blog's RSS feeds coming into my phone so thanks for keeping me updated at all times. Quick question for you.. Do you see any similarities from the start of the Mangini era from the Jets versus the Browns? I can't remember how he handled the Jet in 2006 and if he was so reluctant to pull any free agent moves. But if he rode them into the playoffs with Pennington and Washington\Barlow, surely he can mold the Browns into something respectable right?

James Walker: I'm amazed with how technology is so advance that the AFC North blog can travel in your pocket with you throughout the day. That's pretty cool, Hung. As far as your question, I wouldn't compare the two because the power hierarchy was much different for Eric Mangini. He was a first-time head coach in New York and didn't have nearly as much power with personnel. So he coached up what was given to him. In Cleveland, he has a lot of power--some would say most of the power--and is molding the type of team he wants to coach.

Eric from Baltimore writes: I would have to say Elvis Grbac was a pretty big bust for the ravens. He took a team that won a super bowl the previous year and did not have many people leave. They did make the playoffs but it was not because of him.

James Walker: Hey Eric, thanks the consideration. The problem with Grbac was that he arrived to Baltimore a year before NFL's realignment in 2002, which is when the AFC Central became the AFC North. This was a list of the best and worst free-agent signings in the AFC North. I'm a little surprised our community brought up guys like Grbac, Jerome Bettis, Steve McNair, James Harrison and Shaun Rogers when these players were acquired either in trades, cut numerous times and plucked off waivers, or signed as free agents before 2002. Next time I will try to better explain the article.