Around the AFC North: Steelers Are Showing…

Pittsburgh Steelers: Could Tyrann Mathieu Join Steelers Defense?

Veteran safety Tyrann Mathieu remains one of the most prominent free agents who has yet to sign.

Mathieu confirmed on the “Jordy Culotta Show” that he has been in touch with Pittsburgh Head Coach Mike Tomlin. Mathieu has taken his time during the free agency process.

“It’s still cool talking to all coaches, the different coaches, Mike Tomlin calling your phone,” Mathieu said via Noah Strackbein of SI.com. “Just being able to talk to these guys, man, it’s a blessing.”

The Lions and Eagles are among other teams Mathieu that has been linked. If he joined the Steelers, Mathieu and Minkah Fitzpatrick would provide Pittsburgh with an experienced and versatile safety tandem. The 29-year-old Mathieu has 29 career interceptions, including three with the Chiefs last season. He also had 76 tackles, six passes defensed and two quarterback hits in 16 games.

Cleveland Browns: Mayfield Wonders Where He’ll Play Next

Baker Mayfield is still waiting for the Browns to set him free with the draft less than two weeks away.

Mayfield has asked to be traded and the Browns made it clear he was no longer their franchise quarterback after they acquired Deshaun Watson. However, Mayfield remains on Cleveland’s roster as the team’s offseason program begins and speculation continues regarding his next destination.

The Carolina Panthers reportedly have interest in trading for Mayfield, but his contract is giving them some pause, according to Joe Person of The Athletic.

The Seattle Seahawks have been mentioned as another possible destination for Mayfield, but they aren’t rushing to make a move, according to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports.

Speaking on the “Ya Neva Know” podcast last week, Mayfield said he felt “disrespected” by the Browns’ pursuit and signing of Watson. Mayfield played injured and struggled last season after helping Cleveland make the playoffs in 2020.

“I was told one thing and they completely did another,” Mayfield said on the podcast, via ESPN.com. “I really, truly, honestly have no regrets of my time in Cleveland of what I tried to give to that place. True Clevelanders and true Browns fans know that.”

Peter King of NBC Sports believes it’s possible Mayfield will remain in Cleveland next season if they can’t find a trade partner. If the Browns release Mayfield, King suggested he could join another team in the AFC North.

“How crazy would it be if the Browns cut Mayfield, were on the hook for his 2022 salary … and he signed with the Steelers?” King wrote. “The very thought of that has to make the Browns hold onto Mayfield even though he’s a weekly distraction to the team.”

Cincinnati Bengals: One of Draft’s Top Safeties Could Be Targeted Early by Bengals

Kyle Hamilton of Notre Dame could be the only safety drafted in the first round, and he’s expected to be long gone before Cincinnati selects with the 31st pick.

However, the Bengals placed the franchise tag on safety Jessie Bates and starting safety Vonn Bell is entering his contract year. While safety may not be the Bengals’ top priority, Matt Minich of cincyjungle.com thinks two safeties should be on Cincinnati’s radar at No. 31 – Daxton Hill of Michigan and Jalen Pitre of Baylor.

Hill was a valuable player at Michigan for Ravens Defensive Coordinator Mike Macdonald as a safety who was effective in the box, as a slot defender and patrolling centerfield. If the Bengals select Hill, Macdonald will go from coaching Hill in college to coaching against him twice per season. Pitre could be a slot cornerback and is good around the line of scrimmage.