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The Cincinnati Bengals have the most remaining unsigned draft picks in the division, but they became the first AFC North team to sign its first-round pick.

The Bengals announced they have reached a deal with cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, the 17th overall pick in the draft. He agreed to a four-year deal worth $8.6 million with $7.84 million of that fully guaranteed, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Kirkpatrick’s signing is the earliest by a top Bengals draft pick since 2003, when Cincinnati sealed a deal on April 24 with quarterback Carson Palmer, the top overall selection in that draft.

“It’s great for the club and great for Dre to have him signed this early,” Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said. “Contracts can be a distraction for young guys drafted high, but now he can put all that behind him and focus on making himself better and making us a better team.”

Kirkpatrick could make an immediate impact this season for the Bengals. He could fill in for Leon Hall, who is still recovering from an Achilles injury, or he could beat out veteran Nate Clements.

“Dre was the tallest (6 feet 2) of the top corners in the draft, and with all the big receivers in the league right now, we see that as an extra advantage for us,” Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer said. “He does a great job at the line of scrimmage. He’s been coached hard with a national championship team, so we really like his pedigree.”

The Bengals have four draft picks who remain unsigned: guard Kevin Zeitler (first round), wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (third round), defensive tackle Brandon Thompson (third round) and running back Dan “Boom” Herron (sixth round).

“Like Coach [Lewis] says, it’s just great to have this part done,” Kirkpatrick said. “I’m happy to officially be a Bengal, and I’m going to be the best player I can be for the team and our fans.”

The Ravens have signed their entire draft class, while the Steelers and Browns have two picks each who are unsigned.

Here are some highlights -- because there are never any lowlights -- for this week's AFC North chat. If you want more, click here for a full transcript.

Kris (Missouri): How devastating is the loss of Terrell Suggs? Ray [Lewis] and Ed Reed only have how many more shots at a title.

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): When Suggs got hurt, most talked about how the Ravens would miss him in the pass rush. But Suggs was a really good run defender as well. I think people are underestimating his absence when it comes to stopping running backs.

Brian (Philadelphia): Assuming the Bengals follow up last season with a successful 2012 season, who do you think would be more likely to leave for a head coaching position: defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer or offensive coordinator Jay Gruden?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): I say Gruden. He has the name recognition plus he has the advantage of having developed a young QB on his resume. Whatever team is looking for a head coach is probably in a position to take a QB in the first round. That's why Gruden would be more enticing.

Jordan (Raleigh): What are Mike Wallace's options? Sign or sit out? Can he be dealt? Can teams even make trades at this point in the offseason?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Wallace can sit out as long as he wants if he doesn't sign the tender. He is technically not under contract until he signs it. Wallace has until June 15 to sign it or the Steelers can reduce his RFA tender after that point.

Bodman34 (Ada,OH Home of the Wilson Football Factory): Is there any reason the Browns shouldn't take a look at Terrell Owens and offer a minimum salary with incentives? He would be an instant upgrade at receiver, and if it didn't work out, not much invested.

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Have you seen the effect of T.O. on the other teams he played for? Not happening.

Brad (Berkeley, CA): Maurkice Pouncey was the first Steelers rookie to start 13 or more games in like 30 years (he started all 16, I know). Will [David] DeCastro be the only Steelers rookie this year to do the same?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): DeCastro is battling two players who were originally undrafted rookies, Doug Legursky and Ramon Foster. It would be a major surprise if DeCastro doesn't start from the first day of camp.

Andre (Tallahassee, FL): Is John Harbaugh on the hot seat if Baltimore misses the playoffs? And will Joe Flacco be gone too?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Are you not aware that the Ravens and Flacco have made the playoffs for the past four seasons? If you think they would be on the hot seat after missing the playoffs for one year, you have crazy expectations.

Dillion (Ohio): Should the browns sign T.O to help show the younger reciver on the team how to catch the ball and he can catch the ball

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Again, has anyone else except me seen the negative effect of TO on teams?

Aaron (Bloomington IL): With Pittsburgh upgrading its offensive line, there appears to be few weaknesses remaining from the three teams pushing for the AFC North title. Which unit from Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Baltimore do you see as having the greatest weakness this year?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Steelers: Cornerback. Bengals: Wide receiver. Baltimore: Left guard and outside linebacker (Suggs' absence).

Michael (Cincinnati): Can you ban people who think the Browns should sign TO?

Jamison Hensley (ESPN): Only [NFL commissioner Roger] Goodell has the power to ban people in football. Sorry.

Did the Cincinnati Bengals address the right spot in the secondary?

The Bengals' major focus this offseason was cornerback. Cincinnati used the 17th overall pick on Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick after signing Adam Jones, Terence Newman and Jason Allen in free agency.

There's no arguing that cornerback was an area of need for the Bengals. No one knows if Leon Hall will be ready to start the season after last year's Achilles injury, and Nate Clements will be 33 by the time the season ends. But Cincinnati went overboard at this position. The Bengals now have six cornerbacks who were originally drafted in the first round. Not everyone is going to make the final cut.

The position in the secondary that the Bengals failed to address early in the draft was safety. After cutting starter Chris Crocker in early April, the team is putting a lot of faith in Taylor Mays, a 2010 draft pick of the San Francisco 49ers who has very little on-field experience in Mike Zimmer's defense.

Last season, Mays played 57 out of a possible 648 defensive snaps while missing seven games because of injuries. The biggest knock on Mays has been his coverage skills. But judging by their moves this offseason, the Bengals were more concerned about their depth at cornerback than Mays' ability to step up as a starter.

Kevin Coyle, the Bengals' defensive backs coach for the past nine seasons, has been hired as Miami's defensive coordinator, the Dolphins announced.

While the Bengals would have preferred to keep Coyle, this loss would have been magnified if defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer had left as well. Zimmer was in the running for head coaching jobs with Tampa Bay and Miami.

Replacing Zimmer would be a tougher challenge than filling the void left by Coyle. The Bengals defense will remain a top-10 one under Zimmer.

The Bengals knew Coyle was going to leave at some point. Cincinnati denied Coyle permission to speak to the Eagles last season for a defensive coordinator position.

So, when the Bengals allowed Coyle to interview with the Dolphins, they knew he was likely gone, especially with his ties to Miami coach Joe Philbin. Coyle has known Philbin for years, and reportedly attended the recent funeral for Philbin’s son, Michael.

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 Bengals have given permission to the Dolphins to speak to secondary coach Kevin Coyle about Miami's defensive coordinator job, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer. Coyle is expected to meet with the Dolphins this week in Miami, The Enquirer reported.

He is considered the top in-house choice to become Cincinnati's defensive coordinator if Mike Zimmer left for a head-coaching opening. Zimmer is in the running for the jobs in Tampa Bay and Indianapolis.

Head coach Marvin Lewis said he is in the process of putting together a list of potential candidates at the Senior Bowl to fill Coyle's position.

“This is my chance to come down here and have one-stop shopping and talk to people about different people I know,” Lewis told The Enquirer.

Hensley's slant: It looks like the Bengals expect to keep Zimmer and lose Coyle if you connect the dots. The Bengals denied Coyle permission to talk to the Eagles last season about their defensive coordinator position. So, by granting him permission this year, it says that Cincinnati believes Zimmer will stay. The Bengals wouldn't want to put themselves in a position where they would lose both Zimmer and Coyle in the same offseason.

BROWNS: To no one's surprise, the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Terry Pluto says the Browns are looking to get a fast receiver this offseason. "There were no other receivers to take any attention away from the rookie [Greg Little]," Pluto wrote. "The Browns want to add a speed receiver. If they do, Little should be position for a strong second season." Hensley's slant: If the Browns are looking for top-end speed at wide receiver, they won't be selecting one with the fourth overall pick. The best receivers in this draft class -- Justin Blackmon, Michael Floyd and Alshon Jeffery -- are considered playmakers but not the top burners at the position. Kendall Wright has elite speed and could be available when the Browns make their second selection in the first round at No. 22 (this pick came from Atlanta in the draft-day trade for Julio Jones).

RAVENS: A team source told The Baltimore Sun that no coaches have been dismissed yet, but that could happen in the next two to three weeks. The source indicated many offensive coaches were told they had to get to the Super Bowl to avoid possible dismissal and that offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has not been told whether he will return next season. According to The Sun, Cameron drew criticism from team officials for throwing the ball to receiver Lee Evans in the end zone late in the game instead of to other prominent receivers. Hensley's slant: Beyond the results, what hurts Cameron is his relationship with quarterback Joe Flacco. There's been speculation for years that Cameron and Flacco don't see eye to eye when it comes to the offense. If the Ravens had to make a choice between the two, they would go with Flacco, who is expected to receive a contract extension this offseason.

STEELERS: Head coach Mike Tomlin is facing some issues at the quarterback position, according to The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The primary backup job will be given to either Byron Leftwich or Charlie Batch, both of whom are unrestricted free agents in March. Dennis Dixon is expected to go someplace where he can be the clear-cut No. 2 quarterback. Hensley's slant: Batch is 3-1 when he's had to fill in for starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, but the favorite to become the backup is Leftwich. The Steelers brought back Leftwich on a draft-day trade in 2010 for a reason. He would have served as the No. 2 quarterback this season if he didn't break his left arm in the preseason.

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

The Steelers are expected to cut as many as four players from the NFL's top-ranked defense that opened the regular season as starters, according to The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The top candidates to get released before March 13 are: nose tackle Casey Hampton ($4.89 million salary in 2012), inside linebacker Larry Foote ($3 million), inside linebacker James Farrior ($2.82 million), cornerback Bryant McFadden ($2.5 million) and defensive end Aaron Smith ($2.1 million). That would remove $15 million for the Steelers, who are a projected $25 million over the salary cap.

Hensley's slant: The biggest hit would be losing Farrior. He isn't the same player as he once was, finishing fourth on the Steelers in tackles. But Farrior's leadership has been a constant in the Steelers' dominating defenses. Pittsburgh can fill his void on the field with a younger player, although filling his role on the defense won't be as easy.

BENGALS: Defensive backs coach Kevin Coyle is under consideration for the Dolphins' defensive coordinator job on new coach Joe Philbin's staff, a source told NFL.com. Todd Bowles, Miami's interim head coach this season, was the frontrunner for that job but he is looking at other options now. Hensley's slant: The Bengals have to monitor this situation carefully because they don't want to end up without Coyle and defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer next season. Zimmer is in the running for the head coaching positions in Indianapolis and Tampa Bay (although Oregon's Chip Kelly is nearing a deal). The fallback option could be Jack Del Rio, but the Bengals would be better served with Zimmer or Coyle as their defensive coordinator next season.

BROWNS: The Browns' draft class received a lot experience this season. According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, here are the percentage of total snaps taken by the rookies: wide receiver guard Jason Pinkston (100 percent), Greg Little (91 percent), defensive end Jabaal Sheard (89 percent), defensive tackle Phil Taylor (68 percent) and fullback Owen Marecic (27 percent). Hensley's slant: The Browns created a solid foundation with this draft class. But the only way Cleveland can compete with the other teams in the AFC North is to do this for two and three straight seasons. The Browns have a great opportunity to add more impact rookies with three picks in the first two rounds in April.

RAVENS: For coverage of the team's AFC championship loss, here's a column on the Ravens' devastating mistakes late in the game, a blog on coach John Harbaugh being surprised that there was no replay review on Lee Evans' fourth-quarter drop and a news story on linebacker Ray Lewis' decision to comeback next season.

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

Browns owner Randy Learner stressed that he does care about the team despite a reputation of being an "absentee owner."

"I do care. Of course I care," Lerner told WTAM-AM radio in Cleveland, via The Chronicle-Telegram. "I don't know ways of showing you care are clear to me other than to provide support and show up. It sickens me when we lose games. It sickens me when we have a season like we’ve just had."

Lerner believes president Mike Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert are the right men to guide the Browns into the playoffs.

“It’s not a business where you’re going to get time,” Lerner said. “But we’re not going to get anywhere if you keep turning this thing over. Mike Holmgren is as honorable and committed a football leader as I’ve been around.”

Hensley's slant: Lerner has repeatedly shown that he cares when he has fired coaches and general managers in search of the winning combination. If he didn't care, he would keep the status quo so he doesn't have to pay ex-members of the staff even after they leave. It's not a question of whether he cares or not. It's a question of whether he'll get the right people in place.

BENGALS: Mike Zimmer is now on the radar of the Indianapolis Colts, who have asked for permission to speak to the Bengals defensive coordinator about their head-coaching position, according to ESPN and the Indianapolis Star. It's been a busy month for Zimmer, who remains in the running for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' head coaching job but was eliminated from consideration for the Miami Dolphins' opening. Hensley's slant: It's hard to gauge the Colts' interest in Zimmer because it's so early in their search process. Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael and Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray are also expected to interview with the Colts. It's still a good sign that teams are interested in speaking to Zimmer. He just has to wonder whether getting turned down by multiple teams this year would hurt his stock going forward.

STEELERS: A decision on offensive coordinator Bruce Arians is expected soon, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The paper reported this week that Arians might not return to the team. If Arians is gone, the Steelers are expected to promote from within. According to the Post-Gazette, running backs coach Kirby Wilson was Arians' likely successor, but his health, after suffering severe burns over 45 percent of his body in a fire Jan. 6 at his home, "precludes that possibility." Hensley's slant: Why shouldn't the Steelers promote from within? It's been a successful formula for the Steelers to maintain some continuity at offensive coordinator. This has worked with Tom Moore, Chan Gailey, Mike Mularkey, Ken Whisenhunt and Arians.

RAVENS: There will be continued coverage of the team today heading into the AFC Championship Game, from the prediction blog to a column on Ed Reed to the Final Word blog.

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.

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

Browns general manager Tom Heckert isn't bluffing when he says he might trade out of the fourth overall spot, according to The Canton Repository.

“In a perfect world, we would stay at 4, but it’s not a perfect world," Heckert said. "If we think we can get the same guy by moving down a few spots getting an extra pick or picks, why not do that?”

Heckert traded out of the No. 6 spot last year when the Atlanta Falcons wanted to move up to draft wide receiver Julio Jones.

Hensley's slant: It will be hard for the Browns to pass up on a playmaking wide receiver like Justin Blackmon. But they could get extra picks by dangling Robert Griffin III at quarterback-hungry teams like Washington (No. 6), Miami (No. 8 or No. 9) and Seattle (No. 11 or No. 12). Of course, that's if Cleveland isn't sold on Griffin as a franchise quarterback.

BENGALS: Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer interviewed for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' head-coaching job Monday, two sources told ESPN. Zimmer is also a candidate for the head-coaching job in Miami. By Tuesday, the Buccaneers will have interviewed at least six candidates: Zimmer; Carolina offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski; former NFL head coaches Mike Sherman, Marty Schottenheimer and Brad Childress; and Tennessee defensive coordinator Jerry Gray. Hensley's slant: The feeling is that Zimmer has a better shot with the Dolphins than the Buccaneers because of his ties to Miami general manager Jeff Ireland. Zimmer has earned this shot at a head-coaching job. And, because of the youth on offense, it was more important that the Bengals retained offensive coordinator Jay Gruden.

STEELERS: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette speculated in an online chat that Marcus Gilbert will go from right to left tackle, Willie Colon will stay at right tackle and Ziggy Hood could move to nose tackle. He also doesn't expect any "drastic changes" in 2012. "Some old faces may be gone and a few peripheral players but nothing major to their starting lineup," he wrote. Hensley's slant: The Steelers are over the projected salary cap in 2012, so they'll have to do some trimming. Some candidates who might need to get their contracts restructured or get let go are: nose tackle Casey Hampton ($4.8 million), 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)

RAVENS: The AFC North blog will provide continuing coverage all week leading up to the AFC championship game between Baltimore and New England. On Monday, there were posts on Terrell Suggs and Tom Brady being cordial so far, the offense getting help from "big brother" and the Ravens not committing a penalty in Sunday's playoff game.

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

There's a good possibility that the Cincinnati Bengals will lose their defensive coordinator this week.

After being spurned by Jeff Fisher, the Dolphins could be lining up a second visit with Mike Zimmer after a "strong" interview, according to NFL Network. Zimmer, who has been in charge of the Bengals' defense since 2008, has a link to Miami's general manager, Jeff Ireland, from their days with the Dallas Cowboys.

But Zimmer could have another option as well. According to NFL Network, Zimmer will interview with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers today for the head-coach opening.

Hensley's slant: Losing Zimmer would be a big blow to the Bengals, who have finished in the top half of the NFL in defense in all four of his seasons as coordinator. But Zimmer has certainly earned the shot. The Bengals would replace him with longtime defensive backs coach Kevin Coyle or former Jacksonville head coach Jack Del Rio, who is reportedly owed $5 million from the Jaguars next season.

BROWNS: In an analysis of the team's pending free agents, The Cleveland Plain Dealer predicts running back Peyton Hillis and kicker Phil Dawson will go elsewhere and middle linebacker D'Qwell Jackson will stay. According to the paper, before talks ended between Hillis and the Browns, the running back was looking for $10 million in guaranteed money while Cleveland was offering $4 million. Hensley's slant: It would be surprising to see the Browns invest a contract in Hillis after all of the dramatics during the season. If the Browns don't re-sign him, it will be interesting to see what teams want him. The Detroit Lions and Washington Redskins could be potential suitors.

STEELERS: The players expect to put in some hard work to get the passing game to progress next season. "Talking to Ben [Roethlisberger] on the plane, we're going to get together this offseason, and we're going to continue to grow as an offense," wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders told The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "The goal is always to be the No. 1 offense, so we're headed in that direction." Hensley's slant: Chemistry wasn't the problem with the Steelers' passing game. It was the health of Roethlisberger. Once his foot, thumb and ankle all heal, Pittsburgh will just be fine throwing the ball all over the field.

RAVENS: For the AFC North blog's coverage of the Ravens' playoff win on Sunday, here's my column, update on the health of safety Ed Reed and Quick Take on the AFC Championship Game.

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.

Just days after the Bengals locked up offensive coordinator Jay Gruden, there is a possibility they could lose defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers received permission to speak to Zimmer, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported. Zimmer recently interviewed for the Dolphins' head-coaching job.

In Zimmer's four seasons as coordinator, the Bengals' defense has finished in the top half of the NFL each year including two top-10 rankings. The Bengals spent a couple of weeks this season as the league's top-ranked defense.

Zimmer has previously been the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys (2000-06) and Atlanta Falcons (2007).

"If Mike gets an opportunity, that would be fantastic," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said at his end-of-the-season news conference, "and we’ll do nothing but be very supportive of him and any opportunity he gets a chance at.”

Defensive backs coach Kevin Coyle would likely get promoted to defensive coordinator if Zimmer left for a head-coaching job.

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

Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden signed a three-year, $3.6 million extension to remain with the team, a league source confirmed to The Cincinnati Enquirer. The extension was first reported by an Orlando television station.

The Enquirer reported that the terms of the extension are similar to what defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer received when he stayed with the team two years ago.

This extension comes a day after Gruden declined an interview request from the Rams for their head-coaching position. Gruden made an impact in his first season as the Bengals offensive coordinator with his work with rookie quarterback Andy Dalton.

Hensley's slant: Perhaps the biggest key in developing a quarterback is continuity. Keeping Gruden means keeping Dalton in the same system with the same coaching. The next step for the Bengals' passing game is finding a more reliable No. 2 wide receiver.

BROWNS: The Browns' timeline for hiring an offensive coordinator could be affected by other teams filling their head-coaching vacancies, according to The Akron Beacon Journal. Cleveland coach Pat Shurmur has been talking to offensive coordinator candidates, but it's unclear whether any formal interviews have occurred. "Candidates with options and deadlines" have been communicating with the organization, a league source told the paper. Hensley's slant: The biggest splash the Browns can make is hiring either Brad Childress or Mike Sherman. But this unaggressive approach suggests the Browns might just promote from within. Quarterbacks coach Mark Whipple, a former offensive coordinator at the University of Miami, would be the top candidate currently on staff.

RAVENS: Ed Reed isn't concerned that he finished the regular season with three interceptions, the lowest total for a full season in his 10-year career. “They’re not throwing my way. What do you want me to do?” Reed said, via The Baltimore Sun. “They’re not throwing my way. I can remember two interceptions that really touched my hands, and I didn’t make the play, but I’m not getting action. So this question is for the other teams and the other quarterbacks.” Hensley's slant: Don't be surprised if Reed makes an impact in the playoffs after a quiet regular season. He has seven interceptions in nine postseason games. And remember that two picks were taken away two years ago in Indianapolis by penalty. Reed won't drop a pass thrown at him like Cincinnati's Chris Crocker did last week in Houston.

STEELERS: Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu won his appeal of a $10,000 fine for using a cell phone on the sideline of a game, a league source told the NFL Network. The league fined Polamalu on Oct. 16 because he used his cell phone near the Steelers' bench during a game against Jacksonville. He reportedly made a brief call to his wife after leaving the game with concussion-like symptoms. Hensley's slant: This is no surprise because it was a bad call by the league in the first place. Remember the NFL had fined Polamalu more than Texans defensive end Antonio Smith (who has to pay $7,500 for pulling off the helmet of Ravens guard Andre Gurode) and Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew (who has to pay $7,500 for a chop block). That just didn't make sense.

When other teams are looking at your coordinators as head coaching candidates, it usually follows a successful season. But, if one or both coordinators are promoted elsewhere, it means a challenging season follows.

Cincinnati defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is scheduled to interview for the Dolphins' job today, according to the Miami Herald. He is also on the radar for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' opening.

“If Mike gets an opportunity, that would be fantastic," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis told Cincinnati reporters Monday, "and we'll do nothing but be very supportive of him and any opportunity he gets a chance at.”

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, two leading candidates to replace Zimmer would be secondary coach Kevin Coyle and former Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio, who was the Ravens linebackers coach under Lewis.

Under Zimmer, the defense has finished in the top 10 in two of the past three seasons.

Meanwhile, offensive coordinator Jay Gruden is considered a candidate for the Jacksonville Jaguars' head coaching job, but Gruden said he hasn't heard anything. Gruden had an impressive first season with the Bengals, helping rookie quarterback Andy Dalton to achieve a better-than-expected seasons.

“I just want time to take a deep breath,” Gruden said. “I haven’t had time to do anything yet, just reflect and get this team better and worry about that first. I’m very happy here and have a lot of good prospects to believe the future is bright.”