AFC North Notebook: Johnson retires as a Raven; McCarron ready to compete
Every Friday, theScore's NFL editors will bring you a roundup of everything you need to know from around the division with the AFC North Notebook.
Baltimore Ravens
Johnson retires a Raven. Linebacker Jarret Johnson returned to Baltimore this week - after three seasons with the San Diego Chargers - to retire as a member of the team with which he played the first nine years of his NFL career.
Ravens looking for more from Elam and Brown. Having struggled to contribute with any consistency in their young careers, safety Matt Elam and linebacker Arthur Brown are two players the team is expecting more from.
Former teammate praises Perriman. Speaking highly of his work ethic and ability as a vertical threat in the passing game, a former Central Florida teammate of Breshad Perriman's expects the Ravens rookie receiver to make an impact at the next level.
Cincinnati Bengals
McCarron healthy, ready to compete. Now recovered from the shoulder tendinitis he struggled with in his rookie season, quarterback A.J. McCarron is prepared to compete for the backup role behind Andy Dalton.
Bengals pleased with Pryor. After signing veteran quarterback Terrelle Pryor following his tryout at last weekend's rookie minicamp, the Bengals' coaching staff is impressed with what they've seen from him.
Rookies react to first NFL experience. After the Bengals' rookie minicamp last week, Jim Owczarski of the Cincinnati Enquirer caught up with each of the club's nine draft selections.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers placed waiver claim for Swearinger. Prior to the safety being awarded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Steelers were one of seven other teams to put in a waiver claim for D.J. Swearinger.
Beckham says Brown is NFL's best. Steelers wideout Antonio Brown is the NFL's best receiver, so says New York Giants star Odell Beckham Jr. in an appearance on ESPN's "First Take".
The impact of Bell's suspension. With several teams' star players facing early-season suspensions, like Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell, SI.com's Doug Farrar explores the adjustments they'll have to make.
Cleveland Browns
Browns players supporting Cavs. The NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers are in the midst of their first playoff run since the return of LeBron James, so a number of Browns players have been in attendance to show their support.
Improvements made up front. Coming off a year in which the Browns' depth in the trenches was exposed, all indications are the club has managed to make some much-needed upgrades in that area.
Browns' talented backfield. The Browns' depth and competition at running back could see the group become an offensive strength in 2015, according to Tom Reed of the Northeast Ohio Media Group.