AFC Notes: D.K. Metcalf, Shedeur Sanders, Browns, Ravens, Steelers

AFC Notes: D.K. Metcalf, Shedeur Sanders, Browns, Ravens, Steelers
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Browns

Cleveland fired HC Kevin Stefanski on Monday after a 5-12 finish and a disappointing stretch on offense. Browns QB Shedeur Sanders knows these changes are a part of the business and looks to keep moving forward.

“We just found out a couple seconds ago,” Sanders said, via Kevin Patra of NFL.com. “But I think it’s just overall the mentality, like things are going to happen, that’s just how the league is. And moving forward, just focus on what we can improve, individually, for the next head coach.”

Sanders was also asked if he feels he’s done enough to be the starting quarterback for the team in 2026.

“I think I did what I was able to do, and I definitely grew from a lot of things, and I got experience now. So, I’m always the same, confidence-wise, I’m there. But like, that’s not in my hands. Like, that’s not my decision. I can’t speak on what other people feel.”

Ravens

Following their tough loss to end the season in Week 18, Ravens TE Isaiah Likely wasn’t looking to talk about his upcoming free agency. Likely outlined the difficulty in coming up short, knowing they will have to start over to a degree in the spring.

“I’m not even thinking about that. I just lost. I’m with my brothers. I’m trying to just stay here in the moment and let my agent do that,” Likely said, via the Ravens Wire.

“It’s painful, because you start early, probably like in May. You get a bunch of young guys, a bunch of new guys. Every year is different, and then [it’s] really just a whole year of grinding. You have to start training camp, OTAs, a whole other season, so it’s just really just a reset button.”

  • Josina Anderson reports that Clemson inquired about Ravens OC Todd Monken for their offensive coordinator position, which has since been filled.

Steelers

Steelers WR DK Metcalf will get another chance to play this season following his fan incident, as Pittsburgh advanced to the playoffs when the Ravens’ field goal fell short on Sunday night.

“My teammates gave me another opportunity to come back, so just a big shoutout to them,” Metcalf said, via Brooke Pryor. “[It was a] roller coaster. I couldn’t watch some moments because of my anxiety getting too high, but I’m just happy my teammates got the dub.”

“I’m excited as hell to be back in the building around my teammates, being in meetings, going to practice, all the things that encompass a week of preparation,” Metcalf added. “I can’t walk y’all through nothing that happened. I can’t say nothing about what happened.”

Despite Pittsburgh’s offensive struggles in his absence, Metcalf doesn’t feel responsible for that because of his extreme confidence in his teammates to perform.

“No, sir,” he said*. “Because I feel full responsibility for my actions and that’s it. But I have the utmost respect and confidence in my teammates. Still going out there and performing...