In today's edition of Around the AFC North, we take a look at how a team appears to have lured a coach away from Pittsburgh, what Darrelle Revis is saying about a certain Bengals receiver, and why the Ravens will be looking for a new backup quarterback this offseason.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Ray Horton Headed to Arizona
Yesterday, reports came out that Arizona Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt was interested in raiding the Steelers' coaching staff for assistants. It appears he has already been at least somewhat successful, as reports indicate that Steelers defensive backs coach Ray Horton might be the Cardinals' new defensive coordinator.
Horton is a 16-year coaching veteran in the NFL, and has spent the past seven season in Pittsburgh. A 10-year player as well, Horton, like Butler, knows Whisenhunt well from their time together in Pittsburgh.
Horton is weighing another offer which would make him the defensive backs coach for the Dallas Cowboys. I imagine he'll take on the role with greater responsibility in Arizona, where he would replace Bill Davis, who is now the linebackers coach for the...Cleveland Browns. Arizona also wanted to speak to Steelers linebackers coach Keith Butler but were denied the request.
Cincy Jungle: Darrelle Revis Wants Chad Johnson
After continuing to be one of the league's shutdown cornerbacks this year, New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis seems more and more outspoken when talking to the media. The Jets are the type of team who will accept any player and turn them into a contributor. Johnson has the talent still, and the Jets might have room in their receiving unit next year:
“I want Chad to come here and play for us, to be a Jet,” Revis told New York Metro. “I’ve been in his ear a lot about it this week.”
Revis thinks Ochocinco would be a good fit in Rex Ryan’s system.
“I think he could do well here,” said Revis. “I’ve been telling him to come here.”
Baltimore Ravens: Looking for a Backup QB With Bulger Leaving
With some of the quarterback situations in the league, it seems like Marc Bulger being stashed on the Ravens' bench was kind of a waste, leading many to believe he will find a new team next year. Therefore, Baltimore is going to be looking for a quarterback in the draft to have depth behind Joe Flacco:
The Ravens currently have questions behind Flacco. The Ravens’ franchise passing leader may need a new backup entering his fourth season, as Marc Bulger’s one-year contract is close to expiring. Should Bulger hit free agency, he could be signed by a team in need of a starter. As such, the Ravens will be closely evaluating rookie signal-callers.
“It’s probably not going to be in the first round, but if there’s a [quarterback] available that we like, we’ll pull the trigger if we think he’ll make us better,” Ravens Director of Player Personnel Eric DeCosta said.