Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker
Here are the most interesting stories Thursday in the AFC North:
- The deadline for removing the franchise tag came and went without Cincinnati Bengals kicker Shayne Graham getting a long-term deal, writes Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com.
Morning take: No surprise here. The Bengals have used the franchise tag three years in a row with Justin Smith, Stacy Andrews and now Graham and failed every time to reach an extension.
- Zac Jackson of ClevelandBrowns.com reports the team signed a trio of sixth-round picks: Tailback James Davis and defensive backs Coye Francies and Don Carey.
Morning take: The Browns are starting to reel them in. But there is some early speculation that the team may struggle to get all four first-day picks signed by the rookie report date of July 24.
- Don Banks of SI.com asks if the Pittsburgh Steelers can avoid a Super Bowl hangover?
Morning take: The last time, in 2006, they couldn't. But I get the sense this Steeler team is smarter and more motivated to avoid past mistakes.
- Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun believes the Ravens made a wise investment in Pro Bowl defensive end/linebacker Terrell Suggs.
Morning take: The Ravens continue their trend of investing the most money on the defensive side of the football, which is the best way to thrive in the AFC North.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
James Walker
Walker joined ESPN.com in 2008 after three seasons covering the Cleveland Browns for the Columbus Dispatch. He also covered the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Cavaliers at the Dispatch. Walker grew up in Hyattsville, Md., before attending Temple University, graduating in 2001 with a B.A. in communications and mass media. He resides in the Cleveland area.
AFC NORTH SCOREBOARD
Sunday, 11/29
1:00 PM ET Cleveland Cincinnati 8:20 PM ET Pittsburgh Baltimore