Which AFC North stars could get paid before training camp?

Cincinnati Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase

Teams still have about a month until they open their respective training camps. Most players are solely focused on training for the long season ahead, but some are still looking for some long-term security.

Here is one player from each team in the AFC North who could soon receive a big payday.

Baltimore Ravens | Cornerback Brandon Stephens

Stephens, a third-round pick in 2021, is entering the final year of his rookie deal and he is coming off his best season yet.

In 2023, the 26-year-old registered a career-high two interceptions and 11 passes defensed while also recording 74 tackles.

The Ravens invested a lot into their cornerback room this offseason selecting Nate Wiggins in the first round and T.J. Tampa in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. However, Baltimore loves to reward its homegrown talent and that's exactly who Stephens is.

Cincinnati Bengals | Wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase

Chase said earlier this offseason that he wanted to wait for his former LSU teammate Justin Jefferson to sign a new deal before signing one of his own.

Now that the Minnesota Vikings have given Jefferson a four-year, $140-million extension, Chase is one step closer to getting paid.

The Bengals have also had to do damage control on wide receiver Tee Higgins, who requested a trade in March, but seems content with playing on the franchise tag in 2024.

All eyes are now on Chase as he could become the next highest-paid non-quarterback in the league after reeling in 268 catches for 3,717 yards and 29 touchdowns since entering the league at the No. 5 overall pick in 2021.

Cleveland Browns | Wide receiver Amari Cooper

Cooper was absent from mandatory minicamp as he looks for a long-term commitment from the Browns heading into the final year of his current contract. He reiterated his desire to get paid on Wednesday.

"I'd pull a hammy or something trying to race you," Cooper said, via NFL.com. "I'm trying to get paid this year."

Cleveland would be smart to do just that as Cooper has been nothing short of productive since joining the team in 2022. Over the past two years, he has posted 150 catches for 2,410 yards and 14 touchdowns.

In fact, no Browns player outside of Cooper eclipsed 650 receiving yards in 2023. So it's time to pay him or his absence could extend deeper into the summer.

Pittsburgh Steelers | Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward

Heyward ended his holdout during the final week of OTAs but said that his desire for a new deal has not changed.

The 35-year-old said, "There's been communication," but that there's nothing is imminent as he heads into the final year of his contract.

Maybe now that players have gone their separate ways until rejoining in late July, the Steelers can focus on extending the long-time team captain and 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.

Pittsburgh may be hesitant to pay Heyward since his 2023 campaign was riddled with injuries, but he has been one of the best players at his position throughout his 13-year NFL career, totaling 647 tackles, 80.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles and two interceptions.

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