Links to the Best in AFC North Coverage, 3/1 Edition

Today's news around the AFC North starts with the Pittsburgh Steelers releasing longtime wide receiver Hines Ward. Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette details Ward's release and his 14-year career with the team.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jerome Simpson has plead guilty to drug charges stemming from an incident in September 2011.

Chris Roling of Bleacher Report comments on rumors that the Cincinnati Bengals are trying to trade up to the Arizona Cardinals' spot in the first round of the draft to pick running back Trent Richardson.

Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times reports that the Baltimore Ravens will use the franchise tag on running back Ray Rice on Friday.

James Reagan of Bleacher Report details 10 reasons why Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco will silence his critics in 2012.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot reports that Browns running back Peyton Hillis has parted ways with agent Kennard McGuire, which makes him the third agent Hillis has fired in the past year.

Bleacher Report's Zachary D. Rymer argues that no price is too high for the Browns to pay to draft quarterback Robert Griffin III.

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