Required Reading: Links to the Best in AFC North Coverage, 7/9 Edition

Today's back-from-vacation AFC North Required Reading includes two sides to the Joe Flacco debate, what the Bengals must do to prove they are on the right path, a prediction about the Browns defense and an update on contract talks between the Steelers and receiver Mike Wallace.

Two different takes on Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco are featured on Bleacher Report right now: Jessica Isner says that Flacco's big arm is overrated and that he's far from being considered an elite passer, while James Reagan gives us five reasons why Flacco is primed to break out this season.

The Ravens have a lot of players looking for long-term contracts right now: safety Ed Reed, the aforementioned Flacco, running back Ray Rice. But ESPN's Jamison Hensley looked at the salary cap situation and it is none-too-good for Baltimore—they have the least amount of money to work with of any team in the league.

Matt Gray of Bleacher Report breaks down five veteran free agents that the Cincinnati Bengals should consider adding to their roster, at least for training camp.

Considering the Bengals have yet to win a playoff game since 1990 (the longest drought in the NFL), the Cincinnati Enquirer's Joe Reedy says back-to-back playoff seasons will prove the Bengals have reached the next step in their development.

Bleacher Report's Andrew Vigliotti says the Cleveland Browns will have a top-10 defense this season.

Browns quarterback Colt McCoy isn't yet sure that he'll be getting a fair shot at competing with Brandon Weeden for the team's starting job, and as such, is concerned only with the things he can control—making the most of the time he gets with the first team in training camp.

Nick DeWitt of Bleacher Report provides his best-case scenarios for each second-year Pittsburgh Steeler this season.

The Steelers and holdout wide receiver Mike Wallace haven't made any significant progress in contract negotiations, and training camp is rapidly approaching.

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