AFC rumors: Ravens, Crowder, Chiefs, Pats

Orlando Brown issued an unusual ultimatum to the Ravens: move it full-time to the left tackle or change it. But with the team just extending one of the best left tackles in football, Ronnie Stanley, accommodating Brown in a positioning move is an obstacle. Baltimore, however, is listening to offers for his three-year right tackle, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic notes (subscription required). The Ravens are certainly going to want a big purchase for their contract year edge protector. However, the new CBA further protecting teams against opponents will limit Brown’s options, and the Ravens already have doubts at the start. His strength in dealing with internal problems somehow pays off, but dealing with Brown would further weaken a line that lost some punch after Marshal Yandaretirement.

Here are the latest news from AFC:

• Jamison Crowdersix touchdowns took the Jets last season, and he added a passing TD in one of the team’s two wins. The veteran slot receiver is by far Sam DarnoldESPN.com’s most proven weapon, but Rich Cimini, notes that Crowder is vulnerable to cap status because of his team’s $ 11.4 million maximum. With Crowder’s $ 10 million unsecured salary in the last year of his business, cutting him would free up eight digits of space for the Jets. While this creates another skill position need for a team with numerous deficiencies, there will be several initial caliber receivers available. It’s not like the Jets need space on the cover, with only the Jaguars holding more, but Crowder predates GM Joe Douglas‘arrival. He could soon join a loaded free agent receiver class.
• The University of Tennessee offered Bosses linebacker coach Matt House defensive coordinator, but House refused the volunteers, according to Dan Graziano of ESPN.com (on twitter) House has been with the Chiefs for two years, coming to Kansas City after a three-year stay at the University of Kentucky. He was DC of the Wildcats for two of those cards.
• Titans wide receiver AJ Brown is recovering from surgery on both knees, Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com tweets. While this certainly sounds serious, NFL.com Mike Garafolo tweets these operations were minor. Brown missed the start of the season with knee problems, but came back before midway and made his first Pro Bowl.
• Former Dolphins quarterback coach Bo Hardegree will join the Patriotsof the team, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com tweets. This comes after 2020 coach Pats QB Jedd Fisch agreed to become head coach at the University of Arizona. Hardegree has spent the past five years at AFC East, working under Adam Gase at each stop. Hardegree, 36, also worked with the Broncos and Bears under Gase, starting his run in the NFL in 2014.