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The Browns made the right call when they decided to add an offensive coordinator, and they needed to hire someone with experience.


But hiring Brad Childress -- who was named offensive coordinator, according to a league source -- is not the answer. The Browns really needed to push to get Mike Sherman, who appears to be headed to the Miami Dolphins to be their offensive coordinator.

The problem with Childress is his track record with offenses. In the eight years Childress has been a head coach or offensive coordinator in the NFL, his offenses have ranked in the bottom half of the league five times.

The disturbing part is he's been an NFL playcaller for only one season. The result? The Vikings finished 23rd in yards and 26th in points (17.6 per game) in 2006 before Childress passed those duties over to offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell the next season. Childress didn't call the plays in his three seasons as the Eagles' offensive coordinator (Andy Reid held that role), and he didn't call the plays in his final four seasons with the Vikings.

That résumé doesn't inspire confidence that he will turn around a Browns offense that scored more than 17 points twice last season. Then again, it's hard to imagine any coordinator could really affect an offense that has major question marks at quarterback and running back as well as a void of playmakers at wide receiver.

Hiring Childress isn't the worst move. The team could have simply promoted quarterbacks coach Mark Whipple, but that wouldn't have accomplished anything.

Pat Shurmur was overwhelmed in his first season as the Browns' head coach, and he needed to have the responsibility of running the offense taken away. The only way an inexperienced head coach will succeed is if he has experienced coordinators supporting him. The Browns will have veteran voices with Childress and defensive coordinator Dick Jauron.

If I were Shurmur, I would rely on Childress' advice but not his play-calling ability.

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

A shocked Ben Roethlisberger wants answers from team president Art Rooney II following the "retirement" of offensive coordinator Bruce Arians.

"When I get back, I'm going to go up to Mr. Rooney's office and ask him what he wants from me, what he wants from this offense, because I think that's a viable question for him," Roethlisberger told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review at the Pro Bowl in Honolulu. "He's our owner and our boss, so I really would like to know kind of what he wants and where he sees our offense going because I'd like to tell him where I see us going."

The Steelers announced Arians had retired, but he later said his contract wasn't renewed by the team. Arians had been the only offensive coordinator in coach Mike Tomlin's five seasons as Steelers head coach.

Roethlisberger, who is close with Arians, invited him to Hawaii as his guest for the Pro Bowl, but Arians decided not to go after he was no longer with the team.

Roethlisberger was described as being "miffed" by the timing of the Steelers' move with Arians.

"We feel like we are really close to being an elite offense," Roethlisberger told the Tribune-Review. "For your leader to be gone is kind of a shocker for us, but you've got to be ready for it, and whatever the Rooneys and coach Tomlin decide is our next step. I think the [Steelers'] mind was made up, and B.A. was kind of ready to move on as well."

Hensley's slant: Roethlisberger has to be worried about the direction of the offense. Team sources told ESPN's Chris Mortensen that Rooney wants the offense to go back to its blue-collar identity of the past. The trouble is, the Steelers are built to throw the ball with one of the best young and fast receiving groups in the league. You can criticize Arians' play calling. But it's hard to argue that the Steelers should go back to a run-first offense.

BENGALS: Mike Zimmer is returning for his fifth season as the Bengals defensive coordinator, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported, after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hired Rutgers' Greg Schiano as their head coach. Zimmer also had been in the running for the Miami Dolphins job before Joe Philbin was hired. While Zimmer is coming back, defensive backs coach Kevin Coyle is expected to be named the Dolphins' defensive coordinator. Hensley's slant: If the Bengals had their way, this is how it would have played out. Cincinnati didn't want to lose Coyle, but it was more important to keep Zimmer. The Bengals defense will remain a top-10 one under his direction.

BROWNS: Brad Childress is close to becoming the Browns' offensive coordinator, sources told The Plain Dealer. For more, click on the AFC North blog posted last night. Hensley's slant: My take on the probable hiring will be posted shortly.

RAVENS: In his introductory news conference as the new Colts head coach, former Ravens defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano said he went from an all-time low -- the loss in the AFC championship game was his most devastating one ever -- to an all-time high. “As fate would have it, I’ve got to be honest with you, I thought for sure that I was going to be coming to Indy to play for a world championship," Pagano said, via The Indianapolis Star. "That’s what I thought I was going to be coming here for, and certainly not standing before you today as the next head football coach of the Indianapolis Colts." Hensley's slant: Don't be surprised if Pagano takes some Ravens with him. Pagano's first target should be outside linebacker Jarret Johnson, who will be a free agent, because he'll need a leader who can explain the defensive system to the other players. It would be like when Rex Ryan brought Bart Scott along to the New York Jets. Defensive line coach Clarence Brooks could also follow Pagano to Indianapolis.

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

The Pittsburgh Steelers are about $25 million over the salary cap and need to cut about 20 percent of their payroll by the March 13 deadline, according to The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

But the Steelers aren't panicking, at least not publicly.

"It's not a situation where we're looking to tear things apart and start over," team president Art Rooney II told Pittsburgh reporters yesterday.

Rooney, though, acknowledged there will be "some tough decisions."

"I would say it's probably as big an issue as we've had to face," Rooney said. "There will probably have to be some contracts that get restructured and things like that. No question, there's a lot of work to be done."

In the half-hour state-of-the-team interview, Rooney said wide receiver Mike Wallace will be among the priorities this offseason. He becomes a restricted free agent March 13.

The Steelers will also add 3,000 seats to Heinz Field after the 2012 season.

Hensley's slant: Those "tough decisions" will likely come down to players such as nose tackle Casey Hampton ($4.8 million salary in 2012), wide receiver Hines Ward ($4 million), guard Chris Kemoeatu ($3.5 million), inside linebackers Larry Foote ($3 million) and James Farrior ($2.8 million) and cornerback Bryant McFadden ($2.5 million). If these players don't take a pay cut, they probably will be released. The good news for the Steelers is that they bring back their core with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, three young receivers (unless Wallace goes elsewhere as a restricted free agent), two top-notch pass rushers and Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu.

BENGALS: Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer was considered one of the front-runners for the Dolphins head coaching job earlier this week. Now he is out of the running for it, according to the Miami Herald. The search has been narrowed down to Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin, Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy and Dolphins interim coach Todd Bowles, the paper reported. Hensley's slant: Based on the candidates remaining, it appears that the Dolphins want an offensive-minded coach, which eliminated Zimmer from consideration. This is bad news for Zimmer but a good development for the Bengals. While Zimmer still has a chance to get the head-coaching position with the Buccaneers, the Dolphins job was considered his best shot.

BROWNS: The Akron Beacon-Journal's Marla Ridenour was envious of the playoff teams' tight end play over the weekend. This is what Ridenour wrote: "Against Denver, the Patriots got 261 yards (200 receiving) and four touchdowns out of [Rob] Gronkowski and [Aaron] Hernandez. The Browns’ four tight ends — Ben Watson, Evan Moore, Alex Smith and rookie Jordan Cameron — totaled seven touchdowns all season. Hernandez also had a 43-yard run against the Broncos, longer than any Browns’ rush in 2011." Hensley's slant: The Browns are also trailing the rest of the division when it comes to tight ends. Cleveland was the only AFC North team not to have a tight end catch more than 50 passes. The Bengals' Jermaine Gresham (56 catches, six touchdowns), the Ravens' Ed Dickson (54 catches, five touchdowns) and the Steelers' Heath Miller (51 catches, two touchdowns) are all important pieces in the passing game.

RAVENS: I will be at the Ravens' facility where I will post blogs this afternoon. There will be a Joe Flacco column posted at some point today, and the featured blog yesterday was the Double Coverage segment.

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:

Steelers linebacker James Harrison was unapologetic for the hit that forced him to miss Monday night's loss to San Francisco, according to The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

"It happened, oh well," Harrison told the paper. "Deal with it. Move on. When it came down to it, my helmet hit his. Oh, well."

Harrison, who returned from his one-game suspension Tuesday, said he isn't concerned about the future ones.

"Nope, not worried about anything," Harrison said. "Can't see the future. I am not a fortune teller. I will deal with it as it comes."

Hensley's slant: It doesn't sound like Harrison received the NFL's message. If he gets flagged for another illegal hit, he is facing a suspension involving multiple games. Harrison is in a no-win situation when it comes to fighting the NFL.

BENGALS: There are other more complicated ways of the Bengals clinching a wild-card spot, but the most straightforward one is: The Bengals win out and the New York Jets lose at least once in their final two games (against the New York Giants and Miami Dolphins). According to The Cincinnati Enquirer, if the Bengals lose to Arizona on Saturday and the Jets win, the Bengals would need to beat the Ravens and have the Jets lose to the Dolphins. Both teams would be 9-7 in that scenario, but Bengals would win tiebreak based on better conference record. Hensley's slant: Looking at the Jets' last two games, they could easily lose to the Giants or at Miami. The Jets are 2-5 on the road this season. The biggest obstacle for the Bengals is the regular-season finale against the Ravens. Cincinnati is 0-6 against teams that currently have a winning record.

BROWNS: Running back Montario Hardesty is looking to end the season on a positive note after a calf injury has ruined most of it. Hardesty has carried the ball in one of the past seven games because of a calf injury. "I definitely want to finish out these two games strong," Hardesty said, via The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Hensley's slant: Hardesty might be able to salvage some of the season, but it's probably too late to get rid of that injury-prone label. His inability to stay healthy combined with Peyton Hillis' expected exit is a major reason why the Browns are already being linked to Alabama running back Trent Richardson in the first round.

RAVENS: If Billy Cundiff can't kick Saturday because of a left calf injury, the Ravens will turn to veteran journeyman Shayne Graham, whom the team signed Wednesday. "If I'm asked to go out and play, then I go out and play and play my best to help these guys win," Graham said, via MASN Sports. "If it's for one week, it's for one week. If it's for two, it's two. If it takes more or less, that's really out of my hands. All I can do is line up and kick when they ask me to." Hensley's slant: The Ravens had to make contingency plans after Cundiff missed a 36-yard field goal Sunday, his ninth failed attempt of the season. But Baltimore had better hope Cundiff is healthy enough to kick in the playoffs. Graham missed both of his field goals, including a 28-yarder, in a playoff loss two years ago. That's a major reason why the Bengals didn't re-sign him.

The Baltimore Ravens have found a backup for starting running back Ray Rice. Baltimore has agreed to terms with veteran running back Ricky Williams.

Here are several thoughts on the signing:

• This is a good role for Williams. Rice will get a bulk of the carries, and Williams is a bigger threat off the bench than former Ravens backup Willis McGahee. Williams has been productive. He rushed for 1,794 yards the past two seasons with the Miami Dolphins.
• Williams still has fresh legs. He's averaged 4.7 and 4.2 yards per carry in 2009 and 2010, respectively. On top of that, Williams shared the workload with Ronnie Brown in Miami. Williams also missed virtually two years of football. He sat out all of 2006 and played just one game in 2007.
• Overall, the Ravens got better at running back in free agency. Baltimore started with Rice, McGahee and fullback Le'Ron McClain and finished with Rice, Williams and Pro Bowl fullback Vonta Leach. The Ravens want to run the ball more consistently this season. They should be able to accomplish that with this trio.

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

• Will the Cincinnati Bengals consider quarterback Jim Sorgi in free agency?

Morning take: Sorgi could be the kind of quarterback the Bengals look for. He's an inexpensive, veteran backup who won't push rookie Andy Dalton -- or Carson Palmer providing a change of heart -- for the starting job next season.

• Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome says he plans to stay in Baltimore.

Morning take: As the years go by, there's more and more speculation Newsome could retire and take a cushy job at the University of Alabama, his alma mater. Newsome probably wants to win at least one more championship in Baltimore before he steps down.

• Here is a look at potential targets for the Cleveland Browns in free agency.

Morning take: With labor uncertainty, it's hard to determine who will be available as restricted and unrestricted free agents. Either way, the Browns need help patching holes and providing depth at safety and defensive end.

• The Pittsburgh Steelers had their eye on center/guard Mike Pouncey, who was taken No. 15 overall by the Miami Dolphins.

Morning take: It's no secret the Steelers would've liked to reunite Mike Pouncey with his twin Maurkice. But Mike Pouncey went too high, and Pittsburgh would have had to give up the farm to move up 16 spots in the first round.

The Cleveland Browns have made it no secret they are willing to listen to trade offers for the No. 6 overall pick. The team has several holes to fill and would consider sliding down the first round for the right price.

But chances are one of the top two quarterbacks -- Auburn's Cam Newton or Missouri's Blaine Gabbert -- would have to fall out of the top five to make this happen. Quarterback is the one position that gets teams most antsy to trade up. The Baltimore Ravens' deal last year with the Denver Broncos for Tim Tebow is the most recent example.

So who are possible trade partners for Cleveland this year? Let's take a look.

Tennessee Titans

Pick: No. 8 overall

Analysis: The Titans are in a pretty good spot if one of the top quarterbacks slides in this draft. Therefore, they could sit and take their chances at No. 8. But with the threat of other teams willing to move ahead, taking matters into their own hands also is an option for the Titans. The San Francisco 49ers could be a sleeper team looking for a quarterback at No. 7 as well, although they have been singing the praises of Alex Smith this offseason. With Vince Young and Kerry Collins not expected to return, Tennessee has to add someone at quarterback either via the draft or free agency.

Washington Redskins

Pick: No. 10

Analysis: The Redskins are expected to let go of Donovan McNabb once a new collective bargaining agreement is reached. So if Gabbert or Newton starts to fall within reach, look out. Washington is known to trade its draft picks to acquire talent, but usually it's for veteran players. But the point is the Redskins are not afraid to part ways with valuable selections to get a player they really want. Meanwhile, the Browns could gain extra picks and still draft a top-10 player on their board.

Minnesota Vikings

Pick: No. 12

Analysis: The Vikings are a veteran team and they are desperate, which is why I think Minnesota is the most likely of this group to trade up to land a quarterback. Minnesota has a lot of good pieces in place on offense and defense. Just two years ago this team was in the NFC title game. But last year proved that without good quarterback play, the Vikings are limited. Starter Brett Favre is retiring, leaving the unproven Joe Webb as the main option right now in Minnesota.

Miami Dolphins

Pick: No. 15 overall

Analysis: The Dolphins also are searching for a quarterback, but they are less likely to be a trade partner than the other aforementioned teams. For starters, Miami doesn't have a second-round pick. That means the Dolphins probably can't offer the Browns enough to trade up, especially since the Dolphins are at No. 15 and have the longest way to go. Also, Miami appears content with targeting second-tier quarterbacks like Arkansas' Ryan Mallett, who should be available in the middle of the first round or later.

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

• Is the link between the Cleveland Browns and Georgia receiver A.J. Green getting stronger the week of the NFL draft?
• The Baltimore Ravens made the right call going after Anquan Boldin last offseason instead of embattled receiver Brandon Marshall, who eventually was traded to the Miami Dolphins.
• Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis hinted Monday that taking a quarterback with their first pick might be a reach.
• Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Ted Petersen suffered a damaging house fire. He's the second current or former AFC North player to recently go through this, joining Bengals defensive end Antwan Odom.

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

• Is Baltimore considered a baseball (Orioles) town first or a football (Ravens) town?

Morning take: I would like to hear from Ravens fans on this one. Growing up near Washington D.C., I recall baseball being huge in Baltimore. There was also a lengthy period without football once the Colts left for Indianapolis.

• What would you ask from the Miami Dolphins for quarterback Carson Palmer if you were the Cincinnati Bengals?

Morning take: This is a hypothetical question since the Bengals seem content to call Palmer's bluff. But I agree with this article that Cincinnati should, at the very least, explore trade options to see what's available in the event a team is willing to overspend.

• Here is the latest mock draft for the Cleveland Browns.

Morning take: Georgia receiver A.J. Green could definitely help the Browns and quarterback Colt McCoy. But Cleveland is in desperate need of defensive linemen after switching to a 4-3 defense this season.

• Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Hines Ward has emerged on "Dancing With The Stars" as a favorite to win the competition.

Morning take: Ward is a winner. So I'm not surprised he's doing well and putting his all into this competition. If Ward wins, does that give him a one-up on rival Chad Ochocinco, who finished fourth?

Former Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett is scheduled to begin his two-day visit in Cincinnati on Thursday. Mallett could be a target for the Bengals if they decide to look for "quarterback insurance" outside the first round.

Cincinnati franchise quarterback Carson Palmer demanded a trade this offseason and threatened to retire. The Bengals said they refuse to trade Palmer but will take his threats serious in the event he doesn't return.

Mallett is arguably the best pure passer in the draft, but character concerns could keep him out the first round. Earlier this week Mallett held a private workout for the Miami Dolphins, who are also seeking help at quarterback.

With the NFL draft just a month away, interest is picking up in Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett.

This week Mallett will meet with two teams in pursuit of quarterbacks -- the Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins. Mallett will hold a private workout for the Dolphins on Tuesday in Fayetteville, Arkansas, then visit the Bengals in Cincinnati on Thursday and Friday, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Mallett is arguably the best pure passer in this year's draft. He could be a target for Cincinnati as a potential replacement for starter Carson Palmer, who demanded a trade and threatened to retire. Mallett reportedly enters the draft with some character concerns, which could keep him out of the first round.

The Dolphins are exploring other avenues at quarterback after an inconsistent 2010 season from starter Chad Henne. Miami's endorsement of Henne this offseason has been lukewarm, at best, and the Dolphins would like to add viable competition for the starting quarterback job next season. The Dolphins will host an additional two-day visit with Mallett on April 14-15 in Miami.

ESPN's Adam Schefter also reports Miami and Cincinnati have scheduled private workouts with Auburn quarterback Cam Newton, who is a projected first-rounder.

Thanks to Carson Palmer, there is a dark cloud of uncertainty hanging over the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati's $100 million quarterback wants out in the worst way and has threatened to retire if he doesn't get his wish.

Palmer's stern demands have put the Bengals in a huge bind this offseason, as the franchise now scrambles to find contingency plans in the event Palmer stays true to his word. Not only that, Cincinnati is coming off a disappointing 4-12 season and has plenty of needs throughout its roster.

Bengals ownership has held firm in saying it will not trade Palmer, leaving both parties at a stalemate. But there are many wrinkles to this saga that have yet to unfold.

With that in mind, here are five questions and answers on Cincinnati's quarterback issue:

Question No. 1: Who is currently on the roster?

Answer: For years, the Bengals have put off drafting an eventual successor at quarterback, and the team is now paying for it with Palmer's surprising threat to retire. Cincinnati's in-house options aren't very good. Carson Palmer's younger brother, Jordan Palmer, is the No. 2 quarterback on the roster. The four-year veteran has seen limited action in four career games and has a 34.4 passer rating. Jordan Palmer is trying to take a leadership role in Cincinnati and rally the receivers to work out together in the offseason. Second-year quarterback Dan LeFevour, No. 3 on the depth chart, is unproven. The Bengals picked up LeFevour off waivers from the Chicago Bears as a rookie last September. Neither quarterback is starting material and it would be surprising if Cincinnati starts next season with either player under center.

Question No. 2: What is available via trade or through free agency?

Answer: Although the Bengals traditionally aren't major players in free agency or the trade market, Cincinnati must an exception if the team wants an experienced quarterback to replace Palmer. As far as trades, Kevin Kolb of the Philadelphia Eagles would be a solid fit for the Bengals. He's young, has some starting experience and is well-versed in the West Coast offense, which Cincinnati is implementing under new offensive coordinator Jay Gruden. Kolb is a backup in Philadelphia to Michael Vick, who was an MVP candidate last season. So for the right price, the Eagles could listen. Other options include Vince Young of the Tennessee Titans and Washington Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb, who are both on the outs with their teams. The Titans, in fact, could be a good landing spot for Palmer if the Bengals are willing to move him. (We will get to that later.) The free-agent market is thinner. But an interesting option, at least in the short term, could be Ryan Fitzpatrick of the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo has expressed interest in re-signing Fitzpatrick (3,000 yards, 23 touchdowns) after a career year. But the Bills are also could draft their long-term solution at quarterback with the No. 3 overall pick. Fitzpatrick was Palmer's backup in Cincinnati in 2008.

Question No. 3: Who is available in the draft?

Answer: This is the safest route for the Bengals to grab "Palmer insurance." With labor uncertainty, there will no be trades or player movement until a new collective bargaining agreement is reached. But there is guaranteed to be an NFL draft at the end of April. Cincinnati would be wise to grab one of the top quarterbacks in the draft. The Bengals have the No. 4 overall pick and could have a shot at top quarterback prospects Cam Newton of Auburn and Missouri's Blaine Gabbert. But investing such a high pick at quarterback when the team is still unsure about Palmer's future may not be the best route. A quality prospect at the position likely would be available at the top of the second round. Quarterbacks such as Ryan Mallett of Arkansas, Christian Ponder of Florida State and Andy Dalton of TCU could be possibilities there. Mallett showed great throwing ability at the combine but has some off-the-field concerns. But the Bengals have typically gone after those types of players in the past.

Question No. 4: What is Palmer's trade value?

Answer: Palmer is a 31-year-old quarterback whose best years are behind him, but he still has value. He put up a lot of yards (3,970) but not a lot of wins (four) last season. He also tied a career high with 20 interceptions, although some were the result of receivers freelancing and running their own routes. When looking at trade value, you have to examine recent examples. Last year the Eagles traded McNabb to Washington for a second-round pick and a future third- or fourth-round pick, which was conditional. This type of deal seems on par with what the Bengals could receive. Teams just don't give up first-round picks anymore because they're too valuable. So for a veteran such as Palmer, the Bengals could probably land a second-rounder and another pick or two in the middle rounds. Cincinnati also wouldn't have to worry about the $50 million owed to Palmer over the next years. If the Bengals try to call Palmer's bluff and he retires, they get nothing.

Question No. 5: Which teams are potential trade partners?

Answer: Palmer still has a few good years left and could be a solid quarterback in a winning situation. About a third of the league has questions at quarterback. But that doesn't mean every team is a good fit for Palmer. He doesn't want to be part of another long rebuilding process, which is what's going on in Cincinnati. So the Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers, Tennessee, Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders would be ideal landing spots for Palmer, who could be the missing piece to turning these teams into playoff contenders. Other teams with quarterback needs, such as Buffalo and the Arizona Cardinals, have a lot more work to do and are in the same spot as Cincinnati. So Palmer probably would be less interested. All of this is contingent, of course, on the Bengals' willingness to trade Palmer.

Considering all of these factors, Palmer vs. the Bengals is undoubtedly a must-watch situation this offseason.

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

• Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco tweeted that he would enjoy playing for the New England Patriots and head coach Bill Belichick.

Morning take: Ochocinco is under contract for 2011, but do not rule out the possibility of a trade or him being released. It appears Ochocinco's mind is already thinking of playing elsewhere.

• How do you fix the Baltimore Ravens?

Morning take: There are a few areas to upgrade, such as right tackle. But the biggest priority will be keeping their own free agents, particularly Pro Bowl defensive lineman Haloti Ngata.

• Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark is stepping up his game in the playoffs.

Morning take: Playing next to Troy Polamalu means Clark will get very little credit. But his pick of Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco was a huge play last week.

• How will former Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Brian Daboll do in the same job with the Miami Dolphins?

Morning take: Daboll didn't do well in Cleveland, especially with in-game adjustments. But to be fair, he also didn't have much offensive talent to work with.

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

• Pro Bowl linebacker/defensive end Terrell Suggs seems to be relishing the role as villain during Ravens-Steelers week.

Morning take: Someone had to do it. In previous years you had Joey Porter and Bart Scott. This year Suggs has taken over the infamous role.

• No matter how you cut it, Saturday's playoff game is going to hurt the Ravens and Steelers.

Morning take: I mentioned earlier in the week that it's debatable whether either team will have something left for the next round. But both clubs are going in pretty healthy.

• Will the Cincinnati Bengals draft an elite player with the No. 4 overall pick?

Morning take: This is a good opportunity for Cincinnati. But the last time the Bengals had a high pick, they took Andre Smith No. 6 overall when everyone (including the AFC North blog) warned them not to.

• Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Brian Daboll is in talks with the Miami Dolphins for an assistant job.

Morning take: Daboll, who is still under contract, will be released once the Browns hire their new head coach. Reportedly Pat Shurmur could be named as early as this week.