Required Reading: Links to the Best in AFC North Coverage, 4/17 Edition

Today's AFC North required reading includes discussion of two offseason workout programs that started on Monday, examinations of free agents the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals are or should be interested in, and the latest on Bengals receiver Jordan Shipley's recovery from knee surgery.

Baltimore Ravens

Voluntary workouts started yesterday for the Baltimore Ravens. Quarterback Joe Flacco, who is currently seeking a contract extension, did show up, but running back Ray Rice did not. Rice is looking for a long-term deal; he was given the team's franchise tag last month.

Bleacher Report's Shawn Brubaker takes a look at two free agents the Ravens are interested in—quarterback Dennis Dixon and center Jason Brown.

Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals slot receiver Jordan Shipley is still recovering from knee surgery but was able to catch a few passes from quarterback Andy Dalton last week, according to the Associated Press.

Cameron Koehler takes a look at 10 free agents the Bengals should still be considering, though the draft is quickly approaching.

Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot reports on Browns head coach Pat Shurmur's reaction to heading up his first full offseason workout program with the team. Last year's was scrapped due to the lockout.

Bleacher Report's Chris Trapasso contends that the Browns would be crippling themselves should they trade down from the fourth overall pick in this year's draft.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Nick Signorelli of Bleacher Report takes a look at Alameda Ta'Amu, a nose tackle the Pittsburgh Steelers should be targeting in the draft.

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