Bengals Bytes (4/13): A couple of Bengals are long shots for MVP

Andy Dalton, A.J. Green boast longshot MVP odds for Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals don’t normally have a guy like Andy Dalton or A.J. Green in the conversation for NFL MVP. Still, oddsmakers out of Las Vegas have thrown both guys into the ring for now this offseason — and fans who want to take a risky bet on a big payout can roll with either guy.

Cincinnati Bengals 2018 NFL Draft Strategy: Quarterbacks
Ten of 12. Andy Dalton is entrenched as the franchise quarterback and is under a very, very team-friendly contract through 2020. The team signed veteran Matt Barkley to a two-year deal to backup, and Jeff Driskel remains a mystery as the third QB – though the team really likes his athleticism and potential.

Vontaze Burfict of Cincinnati Bengals officially suspended for first four games of 2018 for PED violation
The NFL on Thursday suspended Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict four games for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported in March that Burfict was facing the suspension for a failed test on Dec. 27 of last year.

NFL suspends Tez four games; Evans looms as Opening Day starter
The NFL made it official Thursday when they announced Vontaze Burfict’s four-game suspension at the start of the season for violating the league policy on performance-enhancing substances. Unofficially, that makes sophomore Jordan Evans the leading candidate for the Opening Day start in Burfict’s spot at WILL linebacker. Evans started four of the final five games last year at SAM in place of the injured Nick Vigil but he began his rookie year backing up Burfict.

Dalton eager to learn new offense
Andy Dalton and his Bengals return to Paul Brown Stadium Monday for voluntary off-season workouts and their quarterback hasn’t felt like this since he was a rookie. Not only do NFL rules prevent Dalton from getting the new playbook from offensive coordinator Bill Lazor while they’re off the premises, but they can’t even exchange any meaningful ideas even though Lazor has spent the offseason planning a new offense in his own right. They’ve talked and texted briefly, but Xs and Os are Xed out.

AFC North Bytes

Analysis: Steelers will look at linebackers in draft regardless of Bud Dupree's future
The Steelers have put a lot of emphasis on finding outside linebackers in the draft, using three of their past five No. 1 picks on that position. Yet the methodology — and success rate — leaves something to be desired.

Report: Jarvis Landry, Browns Finalizing 5-Year Contract Worth $15M Per Year
Landry, who Cleveland acquired from the Miami Dolphins for a 2018 fourth-round pick and a 2019 seventh-round selection, previously signed the franchise tag that would have paid him nearly $16 million in 2018. If he didn't agree to a new deal, he would have been able to test unrestricted free agency next spring.

Random Bytes

Reuben Foster Officially Charged with Domestic Violence 2 Months After Arrest
The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office announced San Francisco 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster was charged Thursday with felony domestic violence following a February arrest for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend.

Report: Seahawks Canceled Colin Kaepernick Visit When QB Refused to End Protest
The Seattle Seahawks reportedly postponed a meeting with free-agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick due to his decision to continue protesting during the national anthem. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Thursday that the Seahawks' decision came after Kaepernick declined to stop kneeling during the national anthem next season.

Robert Kraft Reportedly 'Driving Force' in Keeping Josh McDaniels with Patriots
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft was reportedly instrumental in keeping offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels on the staff. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated cited "multiple people close to the situation" who called Kraft "the driving force" in preventing McDaniels from leaving for the Indianapolis Colts.

Johnny Manziel Rushes for 2 TDs, Throws Interception vs. Spring League West
After making his Spring League debut Saturday, Johnny Manziel was back under center for the South on Thursday. And he did so against fellow ex-NFL quarterback Zach Mettenberger. Manziel—who went for 82 yards and a touchdown in his first game in the league—sent out a tweet before the game to let fans know he was ready to continue his comeback attempt

NFL Draft 2018 Trade Rumors: Broncos Will Try to Move Back If Target QB Is Taken
Despite signing Case Keenum earlier this offseason, the Denver Broncos are expected to be in the market for a quarterback during the 2018 NFL draft. However, general manager John Elway and Co. may look to move out of the No. 5 spot, depending on the situation on April 26.

Baker Mayfield Marketing Deals, Agent, Shoe Deal | SI.com
A look at the finances of Mayfield’s first four months unshackled from the NCAA’s amateurism rules—and a look at the money that’s been flowing around him since well before he turned pro.