Bengals Bytes (6/23): The Bengals most important extension

Hobson's Choice: moves and grooves
I don’t see the starting backers (Vontaze Burfict at WILL, Preston Brown at MIKE, Nick Vigil at SAM) getting pushed, but there are some intriguing questions. They see sophomore Jordan Evans as an emerging guy, so we’ll see if he can hold on to the WILL starting spot when Burfict begins his four-game suspension on Opening Day. Undrafted rookie Chris Worley has looked good enough early to pencil in a run at what figures to be Burfict’s Opening Day roster spot.

Cincinnati Bengals could be players in supplemental draft
The NFL recently released announced it will hold the supplemental draft July 11, and the Cincinnati Bengals could be players in the unique system for the first time in more than a decade. Only once since the supplemental draft began in 1977 have the Bengals selected a player, taking University of Virginia linebacker Ahmad Brooks in the third round in 2006.

5 Bengals who shouldn’t feel comfortable about roster spots just yet
Nothing is assured in the NFL, something a few members of the Cincinnati Bengals will learn in a hurry this summer. The Bengals are on break right now but it isn’t long before training camp in the sweltering heat starts helping the coaching staff trim down the roster. With 11 draft picks and 91 total players fighting for limited spots, there are bound to be a few surprises on cut day.

Ranking Bengals’ contract extension candidates by importance
The Cincinnati Bengals have some major names in line for contract extensions. On one hand, the Bengals have been mostly good about getting the important players locked up from the long term. On the other, fans won’t soon forget letting guys like Marvin Jones Jr. and Andrew Whitworth get away.

A.J. Green on Julio Jones Contract Holdout: 'He Gotta Do What He Gotta Do'
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green threw his support behind fellow wideout Julio Jones as Jones seeks a new deal with the Atlanta Falcons. "He gotta do what he gotta do, man," Green said to TMZ Sports. "The NFL stands for 'Not For Long,' so you gotta get it while it lasts."

AFC North Bytes

Tyrod Taylor Isn't Browns' Anointed Savior, but He May Be Just What They Need
There is one thing you need to know about Cleveland Browns quarterback Tyrod Taylor. It is something often left out of any discussion about the dynamic between him and top draft pick Baker Mayfield. It's this: Taylor isn't going quietly into the night. In fact, it may be some time before he goes anywhere at all.

Keion Adams expects to ‘hit the ground running’ when training camp begins
While the Pittsburgh Steelers’ depth at inside linebacker might have some fans worried this offseason, it is not the only position causing concern heading into the 2018 season. Set to enter training camp somewhat light at outside linebacker, the Steelers will be looking for a new name to stake a claim for a backup role at the position when they arrive at Saint Vincent College next month.

Random Bytes

Brett Favre looking to end youth tackle football
Brett Favre is known for being an ironman in the NFL as he started in a league record 297 consecutive games. However, because of the current health issues he's dealing with, he would not have played in that many consecutive games. In fact, while Favre doesn't regret his days in the NFL, he wants to see some big changes to the game itself, especially for the young kids who play. The three-time MVP recently talked to Alex Raskin of Daily Mail and he said he wants to eliminate youth tackle football.

1 Player on Every NFL Team Who Needs to Impress in Training Camp
All 32 NFL teams have completed the first few phases of their offseason programs. As reports surface about player performances after organized team activities and minicamp, we can already see who's under pressure to impress during training camp.

NFL Referee Gene Steratore Retires, Reportedly Will Join CBS as Rules Analyst
Steratore spent the last 15 seasons as an official after joining the league in 2003 as a field judge. He was promoted to referee in 2006 and worked 12 playoff games, including the Philadelphia Eagles' 41-33 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 52.