Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker
Is it me, or are there a lot of good players in the AFC North heading into contract years?
Here are five key players to watch and their chances of re-signing with their original team:
1. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Coming off a career year that included an NFL-leading 112 receptions, you'd think Cincinnati would be rushing to the phone. But the notoriously tight-pocketed Bengals are content to let their star receiver play out the final year of his deal. Houshmandzadeh likely priced himself out of Cincinnati with last year's phenomenal season. A telling sign was the Bengals selecting two receivers in the first three rounds of April's NFL draft.
Chances of Houshmandzadeh playing for Cincinnati in 2009: 30 percent
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| Lewis |
2. Ray Lewis, LB, Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens say they will aggressively pursue Ray Lewis if he becomes a free agent in 2009. The team has tried working out a contract extension before the season, but that doesn't appear likely with training camp fast approaching. Usually, when both sides agree on the player's importance to the organization -- which is the case with Lewis -- it's easier to come to an agreement.
Chances of Lewis playing for Baltimore in 2009: 70 percent
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| Suggs |
3. Terrell Suggs, LB, Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore gave Suggs a one-year franchise tag to retain its stud linebacker. It's obvious the Ravens want Suggs long term, but it's possible Lewis' contract status is affecting negotiations with Suggs and vice versa. So instead of breaking the bank for two Pro Bowl linebackers, the team is choosing to let it play out for now. But don't expect Baltimore to let this young Raven leave the nest.
Chances of Suggs playing for Baltimore in 2009: 80 percent.
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| Smith |
4. Marvel Smith, LT, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have a way of not giving contract extensions to players 30 years or older (see Alan Faneca). Unfortunately for Marvel Smith, he turns 30 next month, and thus the Steelers have been very quiet on the contract front. Considering that Smith plays left tackle, a good season could garner an extension. But that would go against a serious Steelers staple.
Chances of Smith playing for Pittsburgh in 2009: 40 percent.
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| Jones |
5. Sean Jones, S, Cleveland Browns
Sean Jones has quietly developed into one of the more consistent safeties in the AFC. Additions of defensive linemen Corey Williams and Shaun Rogers should help Jones continue to flourish on the back end of the defense. Plus, Browns general manager Phil Savage has a strong track record of paying to keep quality players.
Chances of Jones playing for Cleveland in 2009: 70 percent.
Honorable mentions go to Ravens linebacker Bart Scott, Bengals tackle Stacy Andrews and Steelers tackle Max Starks.
