AFC

Baltimore Ravens

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CAP STRATEGY: Because of salary-cap problems, the team wants to restructure the contracts of several prominent players, including QB Elvis Grbac, RT Leon Saarcy and MLB Ray Lewis. Grbac and Searcy apparently will comply, but Lewis was unhappy about the idea. Lewis has one year left on his present deal and would like a new contract before the start of the season.... There has been speculation that the Ravens hired Mike Nolan, recently promoted to defensive coordinator, as receivers coach last year to help them find ways to beat Pittsburgh's 3-4 scheme. Nolan's background is on the defensive side, and he is knowledgeable about the 3-4, but that is just P.R. spin. The Ravens couldn't beat Pittsburgh's--or just about anyone else's--defense, and Nolan didn't get a lot of respect as receivers coach. It will be interesting to see whether he can find a way to slow the Steelers' offense now that he is back on the defensive side of the ball.

ALL BUT GONE: The news that the team is expected to run a 3-4 defense this year all but seals the departure of RE Michael McCrary. McCrary, who weighs about 260, would have a tough time as an end in a 3-4. Ends in that scheme are similar to tackles in a 4-3--they're expected to be run stuffers more than pass rushers. McCrary's body-specifically his knees--couldn't take the punishment of playing in a 3-4. --Mike Preston

Buffalo Bills

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PAY HIKE? FB Larry Centers signed a two-year deal last year but would like a raise. The team has other pressing matters, so any discussions wouldn't start soon, but the Bills dearly understand how important he is. Centers, 33, still has a remarkable feel for the game, and his leadership and professionalism are sorely needed, as the team has numerous young players. His precise pass routes and soft hands rival those of many wide receivers in the league. The Bills relied heavily on Centers last season as a safety valve in the West Coast offense.... The Bills might shop for a linebacker. Talks with Sam Cowart, who will be an unrestricted free agent March 1, are at a standstill.

EXPANDING ROLE: WR Reggie Germany was a pleasant surprise as a rookie, so much so that his role might be expanded. He finished the season with just 12 receptions, but he averaged 16.9 yards per reception and displayed a knack for making spectacular plays. Germany, a seventh-round pick out of Ohio State, also improved his hands and route-running as the season progressed. By midseason, he had replaced Jeremy McDaniel as the No. 3 receiver and even made one late-season start. Another productive offseason could make him a key weapon in the revamped offense. He also played well on the special teams coverage units. --Allen Wilson

Cincinnati Bengals

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OPTION PLAY: With QB Akili Smith's health in question (hamstring), the team wants to add a veteran to compete against incumbent Jon Kitna. Signing Trent Dilfer is a possibility, and the team also could try to use draft picks to acquire the Patriots' Drew Bledsoe. Kitna, who is working hard to improve his flexibility so he can be more explosive, should be better in his second year with the same receivers in coordinator Bob Bratkowski's system. The team has quality skill players, but it won't be a playoff contender until it gets more consistent quarterback play.... New tight ends coach John Garrett will focus on developing Sean Brewer, who was hurt all of last season, to replace Tony McGee. McGee is entering the last year of his contract. If Nick Williams stays at H-back, the team must draft another tight end.

CORNER SEARCH? If the team loses Artrell Hawkins as a free agent, cornerback would become a high priority in free agency and the draft. Hawkins' career is on the rise. He is solid in run support, and his coverage skills are improving. If he returns, the team can focus on selecting the best offensive or defensive lineman available at the 10th overall spot in the draft.... If DT Mario Monds develops in NFL Europe, he could become part of the tackle rotation in 2002. Monds has quick hands and good upper-body strength. --Chick Ludwig

Cleveland Browns

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MCKENZIE NEEDED: The Browns and DE Keith McKenzie have yet to reach agreement on a new contract, and that's cause for concern. McKenzie is an excellent fit for this team. When he signed a two-year deal in February 2000 as a free agent from the Packers, he set out to prove he could be a three-down player and defend against the run instead of being just a pass rusher. He added a few pounds, got stronger and showed he could do it. He was a good complement to DE Courtney Brown. McKenzie's ability to rush the passer was crucial to the team's success through the first 10 games last season. He helped force interceptions that set up good field position for the Browns' struggling offense. The team found out last year that it has another decent end in Tyrone Rogers, but it would be foolish to think Rogers can replace McKenzie. Rogers isn't big enough to be effective against the run.