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Jerome Simpson became the second Cincinnati Bengals free-agent wide receiver to go elsewhere this offseason, signing a one-year deal with Minnesota Vikings on Tuesday.

Many believed Simpson and Andre Caldwell (now with the Broncos) would not be retained this offseason because it was assumed the Bengals would upgrade at wide receiver. A couple of days before the draft, wide receiver is the one position of need that Cincinnati has ignored.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said last month that he feels better about the wide receivers currently on the roster than people know, and he hinted at Tuesday's pre-draft news conference that Cincinnati might be leaning toward defense in the first round. That's still difficult for me to believe. Losing two wide receivers from last season and not adding anyone to replace them adds a sense of urgency for the Bengals to take a wide receiver with one of their three picks in the first two rounds.

The Bengals will have plenty of options at wide receiver, which is one of the deepest positions in this year's draft. Wide receivers who should be available in the bottom half of the first round are Georgia Tech's Stephen Hill, Baylor's Kendall Wright and LSU's Rueben Randle. The ones who should be on the board in the second round are South Carolina's Alshon Jeffery, Rutgers' Mohamed Sanu and Illinois' A.J. Jenkins and Arizona's Juron Criner.

The No. 2 wide receiver spot is one of the final pieces in the Bengals' passing game. Cincinnati drafted wide receiver A.J. Green and quarterback Andy Dalton last season to go along with tight end Jermaine Gresham, a first-round pick in 2010.

The Bengals have selected seven wide receivers in the first round in their history. Only once -- 1985 and 1986 -- did they do so in consecutive years. This year could mark the second time after taking Green fourth overall last year.

Every morning, grab a cup of coffee and get your AFC North wake-up call here:

To those Bengals fans who want the team to draft a wide receiver, you are not alone.

A.J. Green, the team’s first-round pick from a year ago and current No. 1 wideout, isn’t opposed to Cincinnati bringing in another target in the passing game.

“I hope so,” Green told the Cincinnati Enquirer. “It would be nice to get someone else in here but if we don’t there are guys here who can step up. Whatever the team needs.”

The Bengals haven’t re-signed No. 2 wide receiver Jerome Simpson and have yet to add a wideout this offseason. Simpson received a three-game suspension from the NFL for violating the league's substance abuse policy, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Hensley’s slant: Michael Floyd probably won’t slide into the bottom half of the first round, but the Bengals will have a chance to take a wide receiver with their second first-round pick (Kendall Wright or Stephen Hill) or their second-round one (Alshon Jeffery, Rueben Randle).

BROWNS: Wide receiver-returner Josh Cribbs was cited for driving 103 mph in a 60-mph zone last month, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Cribbs addressed this on his Twitter account: “Yes I was pulled over for speeding, going too fast, luckily the police were on the job. Wasn't going that fast the entire time obviously but wrong is wrong, gotta face the music just like anyone else:(." Cribbs added, “Much Respect to the police officers who pulled me over! I will lead better on the road now as well as on & off the field!!!" Cribbs is scheduled to appear in court May 4. Hensley’s slant: Cribbs is the latest NFL player to go well over the speed limit (you should read about the reported high-speed caravan that included running back Brandon Jacobs). What Cribbs did was dangerous, but you have to be impressed with how he took responsibility for his actions.

RAVENS: The team believes it learned a lesson in drafting a wide receiver after finding success with Torrey Smith, a second-round pick from a year ago. “I think with Torrey, one of the biggest things is that he’s wired right,” director of player personnel Eric DeCosta told the team’s website. “Mentally, this is a guy who grew up in a tough environment. He grew up under difficult circumstances.” The oldest of seven children, Smith helped raise his siblings while his single mother attended community college during the day and worked at night. Before his last season at Maryland, Smith was once again parenting his younger siblings because his mother was locked up for six months after a family dispute turned violent. Hensley’s slant: Drafting productive wide receivers have been tough over the years for the Ravens, who have missed on such high picks as Travis Taylor, Patrick Johnson and Mark Clayton. The Ravens will see if they truly have learned about that position because they should take another wide receiver in this draft. I could see them taking a wide receiver-returner in the middle rounds.

STEELERS: General manager Kevin Colbert said 98 percent of the Steelers’ work for the draft is complete. He wouldn't discuss specific players but did speak to the team's draft philosophy. "Need is not a good word," Colbert said at the Steelers pre-draft press conference, via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "It's 'want.' We want players. We don't necessarily need. We try to add from within. The subtractions we made were substantial from a leadership standpoint. We talked about that before. That will be replaced -- we don't know by whom or how long [it will take]. Coach [Mike] Tomlin will make a final decision of when a guy plays, but, quite honestly, there are not a lot of players in this draft that can come in and be immediate impact guys for us." Hensley's slant: Like it or not, the Steelers need offensive linemen, linebackers and cornerbacks. It would be surprising if Pittsburgh's first-round pick didn't address one of these positions.

Bengals free-agent wide receiver Jerome Simpson received a three-game suspension from the NFL for violating the league's substance abuse policy, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Relatively speaking, Simpson couldn't have asked for a better resolution to his legal situation or his discipline from the NFL.

Simpson fared better than most expected after having about two pounds of marijuana shipped to his northern Kentucky home in September. Many presumed the NFL would suspend Simpson at least four games.

This comes in the same month he was sentenced to 15 days in jail and three years' probation for a felony charge. Simpson had struck a plea agreement for 60 days before a judge reduced the jail time.

While the Bengals should part ways with Simpson because of this baggage, his future with the team likely will be determined by the draft. The Bengals have three of the first 53 picks in this week's draft and could use one on a wide receiver to take Simpson's role as the No. 2 wide receiver. If the Bengals don't draft a wide receiver early in the draft, it should increase his chances of coming back to them.

Simpson, 26, recently visited the Minnesota Vikings, but this doesn't rule out his return to Cincinnati. Bengals coach Marvin Lewis sent a letter in support of Simpson to the judge before he was sentenced to 15 days in jail. The Bengals said in a statement after the hearing that they believe Simpson "has, and will continue to, deal accountably with the consequences of his actions."

He has been a disappointment as the Bengals' second-round pick in 2008, but he is coming off his most productive NFL season. After 21 catches in his first three seasons, Simpson set career highs in catches (50), yards (725) and touchdowns (four), which included a sensational somersault flip into the end zone.

Outside linebacker Keith Rivers, who was traded today to the New York Giants for a fifth-round pick, wasn't the only disappointment in the Bengals' 2008 draft class.

Cincinnati failed to find a long-term impact player out of its 10 picks that year. Rivers, the ninth overall pick in the 2008 draft, finished with the most starts in this class with 33, and the only players that remain with the team are two backups: defensive tackle Pat Sims (third round), and offensive tackle Anthony Collins (fourth round).

Wide receiver Jerome Simpson (second round) produced a career-high 50 catches last season as the team's No. 2 wide receiver, but he now faces 15 days in a Kentucky jail after pleading guilty to a drug charge. The Bengals haven't ruled out bringing him back.

Wide receiver Andre Caldwell (third round) showed promise in 2009 when he made a career-best 51 catches. But he followed that up with a combined 61 receptions the past two seasons. Caldwell signed this offseason with the Denver Broncos.

There were two players -- defensive tackle Jason Shirley (fifth round) and safety Corey Lynch (sixth round) -- who played a handful of games for Cincinnati before going elsewhere for reserve roles. Shirley played last season for Carolina, and Lynch was with Tampa Bay.

The last three players taken in the Bengals' 2008 draft -- tight end Matt Sherry (sixth), defensive end Angelo Craig (seventh) and wide receiver Mario Urritia (seventh) -- never played a regular-season game for Cincinnati and are out of the league.

In comparison, the Ravens drafted quarterback Joe Flacco and running back Ray Rice that season, and the Pittsburgh Steelers selected running back Rashard Mendenhall. Even the Browns, who had limited picks after trading for Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams, got underrated defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin in the sixth round.

Every morning, grab a cup of coffee and get your AFC North wake-up call here:

The Chicago Bears and Seattle Seahawks have made inquires about free-agent guard Eric Steinbach, sources told ESPNChicago.com. The site also reports that the Ravens might be interested in the former starting left guard for the Browns.

It's unclear if Steinbach will make any visits before the NFL draft at the end of the month as he continues to recover from a back injury that forced the guard to miss the entire 2011 season.

Steinbach, 32, started 124 games for the Bengals and Browns over the span of eight years, before undergoing a procedure that removed a disc fragment from his spinal nerve in August of last summer. He was cut by the Browns on March 14 after refusing to take a pay reduction.

Hensley's slant: The Ravens hinted they won't make any more free-agent moves until after the draft. So if the Ravens don't use a first- or second-round pick on a guard, they should make a call to Steinbach. The alternative is starting a backup offensive tackle (Jah Reid) at left guard.

BENGALS: Bengals coach Marvin Lewis sent a letter in support of Jerome Simpson to the judge before the free-agent wide receiver was sentenced to 15 days in jail for a drug-related charge, according to the Associated Press. Lewis said last month that the team is open to offering Simpson another contract despite his legal problems. The Bengals said in a statement after the hearing that they believe Simpson "has, and will continue to, deal accountably with the consequences of his actions." Hensley's slant: The chances of Simpson returning increased when the Bengals ignored the wide receiver position in free agency. Cincinnati had the cap room to upgrade over Simpson at the No. 2 spot, but the Bengals failed to add Robert Meachem or Mario Manningham.

BROWNS: LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne made a pre-draft visit to the Browns on Thursday, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. Claiborne made headlines this week when it was reported that he scored 4 out of 50 on the Wonderlic test. "At the end of the day I will be a top 10 pick," Claiborne posted on his Twitter account, which has since been switched to private. "You guys don't no me #Top10." Hensley's slant: I still see the Browns taking running back Trent Richardson with the fourth overall pick and it has nothing to do with Claiborne's test score. The Browns, who averaged 13.6 points per game last season, need an offensive playmaker and not the best defensive player in the draft.

STEELERS: Restricted free-agent guard Ramon Foster has signed his tender, according to a report from ESPN Radio in St. Louis. Foster received the low tender ($1.26 million), which meant the Steelers wouldn't have received any compensation if they refused to match an offer sheet. Entering his fourth season with Pittsburgh, Foster is expected to remain the team's starting right guard. He will be an unrestricted free agent in 2013. Hensley's slant: Foster was surprisingly serviceable at right guard last season. If the Steelers draft an interior lineman, they should replace left guard Doug Legursky, whose best position is center.

The good news for Bengals free agent wide receiver Jerome Simpson is his 15-day jail sentence will allow him to participate in a team's offseason program (that is, when a team signs him).

The bad news for Simpson is he likely won't be suiting up at the start of the regular season.

Simpson was sentenced to 15 days in jail and three years' probation Thursday for a felony charge resulting from about two pounds of marijuana shipped to his northern Kentucky home in September. That is less jail time than the 60 days recommended by prosecutors in a plea agreement.

The NFL, though, hasn't had its say on the matter yet. And, as you can tell by the bounty scandal, the league is not as lenient as the legal system. It's expected that the league will suspend Simpson at least four games.

Simpson might have some options on where to play next season because NFL teams apparently can't resist a somersaulting wide receiver who will come at a bargain rate. The Rams flew in Simpson for a visit before today's sentencing, and the Bengals haven't ruled out re-signing him. As I blogged last month, the Bengals need to part ways with Simpson even though they have yet to address the No. 2 wide receiver spot.

In addition to his jail sentence, Simpson also will have to serve 200 hours of community service, undergo drug testing and pay a $7,500 fine.

Working on a column today. So, just the links (no slant) included in AFC North wake-up today:

Steelers linebacker LaMarr Woodley doesn't understand the problem with bounties because NFL contracts reward players for aggressive play.

"If you think about it, when you say there's an extra incentive, the 'bounty,' that's like people having incentives in their contract," Woodley told the NFL Network. "You get a certain amount of sacks, you get an extra bonus. Is that considered a bounty? You're still going to go out there to make the plays in order to get some extra money. Is that putting that much more pressure to go out there and want to hit a quarterback because you know you have a $100,000 bonus coming if you do this?"

BENGALS: Free agent Jerome Simpson, the Bengals' No. 2 wide receiver last season, is scheduled to work out for the St. Louis Rams today, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. This comes a day before Simpson is scheduled to be sentenced in Covington, Ky., after pleading guilty March 1 to a marijuana possession-related charge. Prosecutors recommended a 60-day jail stay.

BROWNS: Virginia Tech running back David Wilson was one of the higher-profile draft prospects who visited the Browns on Tuesday, a league source told the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The paper reported that the Browns would consider taking Wilson with their 22nd overall pick (late first round) or the 37th one (early second round). Cleveland is also hosting Boise State running back Doug Martin this week.

RAVENS: Owner Steve Bisciotti acknowledged he has taken further steps to make sure director of player personnel Eric DeCosta will be around to replace general manager Ozzie Newsome, who has not expressed an interest in retiring anytime soon. Bisciotti said he has restructured DeCosta's contract in a way that it takes him off the market "for a few years." Said Bisciotti to the team's official website: “I think everybody in the organization views Eric as Ozzie’s successor and we’re doing everything we can to make that transition work."

Every morning, grab a cup of coffee and get your AFC North wake-up call here:

The first time Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley called Ben Roethlisberger, the quarterback ignored it. Not intentionally, of course.

Roethlisberger didn't recognize the number, but he quickly returned the call after listening to his voice mail. The long-awaited chat "was a good step in the right direction," Roethlisberger told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

"I think it will be a good working relationship -- and good friendship, who knows," Roethlisberger told the paper.

NFL rules prohibit Roethlisberger and Haley from talking about football until April 16, so they touched on golf, family life and Haley being a ballboy in Pittsburgh.

So why did it take a couple of weeks for them to connect? "I didn't know what the rules were," Roethlisberger said. "Could I call him? Could he call me? I don't know what you're allowed to do or not allowed to do."

According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, the Steelers created $4.5 million in salary cap space by releasing defensive end Aaron Smith and guard Chris Kemoeatu. The Steelers, who were a projected $25 million over the cap, have cleared $37.4 million in cap room by cutting players and restructuring contracts, the Tribune-Review reported.

Hensley's slant: Let me get a show of hands ... who really thinks Roethlisberger and Haley avoided talking about football? Sure, and there's no tampering going on at the NFL combine either. You know quarterbacks and coordinators all around the league have chatted briefly about football this offseason. It's naive to think otherwise.

BENGALS: The Cincinnati Enquirer's Joe Reedy thinks the Bengals shouldn't re-sign wide receiver Jerome Simpson in free agency. Simpson pleaded guilty to a felony drug charge Thursday. "There are lots of players who have potential in this league, but if you base Simpson’s production on results and not the wow factor, he hasn’t delivered," Reedy wrote. "The off-field matter should only reinforce why it isn’t worth it. It’s time for another team to take over the role of redeemer." Hensley's slant: I agree that this offseason is the time when the Bengals show their fan base that they're not the same Bengals. That means letting another team take Simpson's baggage.

BROWNS: Head coach Pat Shurmur told the Cleveland Plain Dealer that the team hasn't yet slammed the door on putting the franchise tag on running back Peyton Hillis, although a source told that paper that it's "very unlikely." Shumur was noncommittal when asked about the chances of the Browns re-signing Hillis in free agency. "When he was in there, he played good football for us," Shurmur said. "Now the business of sport takes over here and we'll have to see what happens." Hensley's slant: Shurmur told the Plain Dealer that Hillis never talked to him about joining the CIA (which was first reported by ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter), but we all know that Shurmur is certainly familiar with Hillis going MIA. Hillis' inconsistent behavior on and off the field should caution the Browns and other teams about giving him a multiyear contract.

RAVENS: According to the New York Daily News, the Jets are targeting Ravens outside linebacker Jarret Johnson, who becomes a free agent on March 13. Johnson played six seasons under Jets coach Rex Ryan when he was the Baltimore defensive coordinator. "He's tougher than heck, and he's a lot more talented than people give him credit for," Ryan said of Johnson in September. Another Ravens defensive coordinator, Colts head coach Chuck Pagano, is also expected to be interested in Johnson. Hensley's slant: The Ravens can replace Johnson with Paul Kruger on passing downs, but they really don't have anyone who can set the edge against the run like Johnson. That's why the Ravens aren't going to let Johnson go without a fight. “I had a conversation with Jarret at the end of the season and I told him I would maintain communication with him throughout the process,” general manager Ozzie Newsome said last week at the NFL combine. “He plays like a Raven and we’d love to have him back if things can work itself out.”

Cincinnati Bengals receiver Jerome Simpson has pleaded guilty to a drug charge as part of an agreement with prosecutors that could send him to jail.

The agreement with prosecutors includes a recommended 60-day jail sentence that would include a work-release provision. If the judge accepts that on the April 5 sentencing hearing, Simpson would be suspended at least four games by the NFL for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

The Bengals should part ways with Simpson, who will be an unrestricted free agent this month. There has been speculation that Cincinnati might be interested in re-signing him because Simpson would come cheaply now, but the Bengals are $60 million under the salary cap. They don't need to think cheap, and they definitely don't need another player with a rap sheet.

There's no question that the Bengals need to upgrade over Simpson at the No. 2 wide receiver spot. It was frustrating for the Bengals to watch Simpson, who has potential, run poor routes and drop passes (six of them, according to ESPN Stats & Information) last season. The focus should be adding a wide receiver (perhaps Robert Meachem) in free agency and developing the likes of Jordan Shipley and Andrew Hawkins.

Simpson has single-handedly sabotaged his value heading into free agency, which begins in 12 days. Let another team take on the baggage for once.

Bengals wide receiver Jerome Simpson pleaded not guilty Monday to one count of trafficking marijuana in excess of eight ounces. His next hearing is set for Feb. 20, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported.

While a felony punishable by one to five years in jail, there are indications that Simpson’s cooperation, and the fact it’s his first offense, could result in probation rather than incarceration, according to the team's website. That isn't the only discipline that Simpson is facing.

If found guilty, Simpson could get suspended four games by the NFL for violating the league's substance abuse policy. That would shatter interest in Simpson heading into free agency.

There has been speculation that the Bengals would re-sign Simpson if he came cheaply, but Cincinnati has to go in a different direction with the No. 2 wide receiver position. While Simpson can make highlight reel plays -- like the flip into the end zone -- his poor route-running is a nagging problem for young quarterbacks like Andy Dalton. The Bengals need a dependable veteran to start opposite A.J. Green.

Bengals wide receiver Jerome Simpson was indicted on drug charges Thursday in Covington, Ky., according to The Cincinnati Enquirer.

The indictment charges Simpson with trafficking marijuana over 8 ounces and less than five pounds, Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders told the paper. This is a felony with a punishment of one to five years in prison.

The indictment comes nearly four months after federal authorities confiscated a package containing 2.5 pounds of marijuana that had been shipped from California to his northern Kentucky home. Investigators also found 6 more pounds of pot inside the house, as well as drug paraphernalia such as packaging materials, scales and smoking devices.

Simpson made one of the highlight plays of the season with a late-season touchdown flip into the end zone. He finished third on the Bengals with 50 catches for 725 yards and four touchdowns.

This was likely his last season with Cincinnati. Besides the legal situation, Simpson struggled this season with drops and route-running. The Bengals will look to upgrade the No. 2 wide position in free agency.

If you have a question about the AFC North, send it to my mailbag. It's Saturday morning, so let's open up some mail ...

Jac, from Ohio, writes: Lately you have been saying that the Bengals need a No. 2 receiver, if and when Jerome Simpson leaves. I would think that Jordan Shipley would fill the No. 2 role in the slot behind A.J. Green. Or would Shipley be more of a No. 3 working the slot? And if Andrew Hawkins improves in the offseason, that would be a plus, right?

Jamison Hensley, from AFC North headquarters, responds: Shipley and Hawkins are more on the level of being No. 3 receivers. That was the Bengals' biggest problem in the passing game. They had top targets in Green and tight end Jermaine Gresham. But the rest (Simpson and Andre Caldwell) are No. 3 receivers on many teams. Both are very athletic but both struggle with route-running, which can be a big problem, especially for a developing young quarterback like Andy Dalton. Cincinnati needs to look in free agency for an upgrade.

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Chris, from Milford, Conn., writes: Just wondering what your thoughts are on the Steelers rebounding next season after that awful loss to Denver. Also, how can the Steelers be $20 million over the salary cap when they never sign any big free agents and don't have that many mega-deals with current players?

Hensley responds: The Steelers will always be competing for the division title if Ben Roethlisberger and his young receivers are healthy and the core of the NFL's top-ranked defense remains intact. And the reason why the Steelers are projected to be over the cap is because many veterans are entering the point of their contracts where the salaries escalate. Players with high salaries for 2012 are: outside linebacker James Harrison ($5.3 million), guard Chris Kemoeatu ($3.5 million), inside linebackers Larry Foote ($3 million) and James Farrior ($2.8 million), defensive end Brett Keisel ($2.8 million) and cornerback Bryant McFadden ($2.5 million). Those players represent $19.9 million. Some could be facing the decision of restructuring to stay with the team or getting released.

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Bryan, from Wickliffe Ohio, writes: I was just wondering what you think the Browns' chances are of drafting Robert Griffin III. To me it just seems like he is too much of a talent to pass up. No disrespect to Colt McCoy, but let's face it -- he's not going to win us any games based primarily on his skill level and I see RG3 as somone who can do that.

Hensley responds: It's really to early for teams to lock into one player. There are still all-star games, combine workouts and interviews as well as private workouts. Players will rise and fall up and down teams' draft board from now until April. There's no doubt that the Browns need a playmaker. But don't forget that the Bengals drafted wide receiver A.J. Green in the No. 4 spot last year — so you can see the level of impact player that Cleveland can get if it hits on the right prospect. At this point, Griffin has to be on the Browns' radar. But it's too early to say that he's their man with the fourth overall pick.

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Dave, from Burke, Va., writes: With the Bucs and Dolphins in the mix for Mike Zimmer's services, what are the chances that he returns as Cincinnati's defensive coordinator?

Hensley responds: It's a very real possibility that Zimmer could be hired elsewhere, particularly since Jeff Fisher spurned Miami and went to St. Louis. Both the Buccaneers and the Dolphins needed big-name splashes to generate some interest with apathetic fan bases. But there are really no buzz-worthy candidates left. That's why Zimmer has a legitimate shot at both places. If Zimmer goes, the Bengals can promote defensive backs coach Kevin Coyle, who has been on the staff since 2001. There's also been some talk that former Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio could take over as defensive coordinator. But Del Rio is still owed $5 million next season, so he doesn't need to find a job.

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Lucas from Severn, Md., writes: I've been watching the Ravens closely all season and there have been some real flashes of greatness by Joe Flacco. There have also been some of his worst passing games as a quarterback (the Jets and Jags games specifically). Other than the playoff game against Kansas City last year, he hasn't proven to be solid in the playoffs. What are the chances that he will have a breakout game against Houston if the Texans choose to focus on stopping the run?

Hensley responds: Flacco has been extremely ragged when it comes to the playoffs. He's averaged 150 yards passing in seven games, throwing four touchdowns and seven interceptions. But remember that all of those games were on the road and three of them came when he was a rookie. This is the time for Flacco to shine. He's at home where he has thrown 29 touchdowns and eight interceptions in his past 19 games (97.6 rating). And he threw for 305 yards against the Texans three months ago in Baltimore. So to answer the question, all indications point to a strong effort by Flacco on Sunday.

Every morning, grab a cup of coffee and get your AFC North wake-up call here:

Dick LeBeau will return as the Steelers' defensive coordinator in 2012, sources told The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

LeBeau, 74, has been the team's defensive coordinator since 2004, his second stint with the Steelers. Considered the father of "zone blitz," LeBeau has long been regarded as one of the NFL's top defensive minds.

Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that he wanted both of his coordinators back and LeBeau had told him he wanted to return. The Pittsburgh defense finished first in fewest yards and points allowed.

Hensley's slant: The Steelers have decided not to get younger at defensive coordinator, but it will be interesting to see if they choose to get younger with personnel. The return of LeBeau ensures continuity. Plus, it would have been a shame to see LeBeau go out on a defensive performance like the one in Denver.

BENGALS: Now that the Bengals have a long-term go-to wide receiver in A.J. Green, the next step is to find the No. 2 option. According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, it looked like the team would bring back either Jerome Simpson or Andre Caldwell (both of whom are free agents) but there is a chance both could be gone. “Of course, Jerome had moments of greatness and moments of what is going on?” offensive coordinator Jay Gruden said. Hensley's slant: Simpson and Caldwell are too undependable as route-runners, which is not what you want for a young quarterback like Andy Dalton. Look for the Bengals to find a more consistent presence in free agency. Cincinnati's passing attack already has a strong start with Green and tight end Jermaine Gresham.

BROWNS: Browns defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson will join the Dallas Cowboys as their secondary coach, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. The deal is expected to be finalized by Monday. Henderson, 42, will reunite with defensive coordinator Rob Ryan with the Cowboys. Hensley's slant: This might seem like a minor move, but the Browns' defensive backs improved in Henderson's three seasons. Cleveland's pass defense went form 29th to 18th to second this season. The new defensive backs coach has the luxury of coming into a situation with rising young talent at cornerback (Joe Haden) and safety (T.J. Ward).

RAVENS: Ravens right guard Marshal Yanda revealed that he had emergency surgery on his lower right leg on Christmas Eve and still played in the regular-season finale seven days later. Yanda’s leg swelled up and surgeons had to split the muscle to relieve the pressure. “It was a nasty scar and a [crappy] way to spend Christmas Eve, but that’s what it was,” Yanda said, via The Baltimore Sun. Hensley's slant: Head coach John Harbaugh called Yanda the toughest player he's ever coached, and everyone is finding out why. He's the Ravens' best offensive lineman and made the Pro Bowl this season. And, if there was any doubt, he will be starting Sunday's playoff game.

We're handing out game balls after Week 16 and here is who's getting them:

OFFENSE: Jerome Simpson, Bengals. The AFC North blog will give Simpson the game ball after giving him another standing ovation. The Cincinnati wide receiver made the highlight of the season when he flipped over a Cardinals linebacker and landed in the end zone on his feet. The Bengals needed this touchdown in the end when they held off Arizona for a 23-16 win.

DEFENSE: Steelers defense. Just like in Week 2, everyone on Pittsburgh's defense deserves a game ball for recording a shutout against the Rams. Sure, it came against the lowest-scoring offense in the NFL. But let's not forget that it was the NFL's top-ranked defense that delivered the shutout. It's the first time since 2007 that the Steelers have recorded two shutouts in the same season.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Shayne Graham, Ravens. This was a close call over the Browns' Josh Cribbs, who returned a punt 84 yards for a touchdown -- the longest punt return of his great special-teams career. But the Ravens beat the Browns by two field goals, both of which came from a replacement kicker. Graham, who was filling in for Billy Cundiff, hit kicks from 48 and 43 yards. His kicking allowed Baltimore to stay on course for the AFC North title and a first-round bye in the playoffs.

Thoughts on the Cincinnati Bengals' 23-16 win over the Arizona Cardinals:

What it means: With the Jets losing, the Bengals (9-6) took back the sixth and final playoff spot in the AFC and control their playoff fate. Cincinnati can clinch a playoff spot by beating Baltimore next weekend. The Bengals won their second straight game after losing four of their past five games. Cincinnati improved to 8-0 against teams that don't currently have a winning record.

Surviving a scare: The Bengals ran out to a 23-0 lead before having to sweat out the fourth quarter. Unlike a couple weeks ago against Houston, the Bengals were able to stop a backup quarterback from a monumental comeback. With a chance to tie, Arizona wide receiver Early Doucet was uncovered at the goal line but fell as he ran. That let a fourth-down pass fall incomplete with 71 seconds remaining.

Touchdown of the year: It was a jaw-dropping start for the Bengals, and it had nothing to do with the team scoring the first 23 points of the game. Jerome Simpson delivered one of the top highlights of the season when he somersaulted over a defender into the end zone from three yards out and landed on his feet. You felt like he deserved more than the six points.

Dalton joins elite company: Andy Dalton finished 18 of 31 for 154 yards but he did have something to remember. With two touchdown passes, Dalton joined Peyton Manning, Charlie Conerly and Dan Marino as the only NFL rookies to throw 20 touchdowns.

Poor showing: The Bengals secured only their third winning record in the past 21 years, although few in Cincinnati witnessed it. An announced crowd of 41,273 watched at Paul Brown Stadium. This came close to the smallest crowd in the 12-year history of the stadium (41,142), which was set earlier this season.

What's next: The Bengals finish up the regular season by hosting the Baltimore Ravens. The Bengals lost to the Ravens, 31-24, on Nov. 20 in Baltimore.