AFC.

Baltimore

QB TALKS: Look for the team to play hardball in negotiations with free-agent QB Trent Dilfer. The Ravens aren't expected to sign him to a long-term contract. The Ravens have interest in unrestricted free-agent QB Rob Johnson, too, but they aren't expected to make him a huge offer either The Ravens figure both quarterbacks will take less to play for a Super Bowl contender No. 2 QB Tony Banks is under contract for next season, but the club likely will release him.... Rookie WR Travis Taylor didn't make a lot of plays in 2000 and dropped a few passes before he injured his shoulder. And TE Shannon Sharpe has showed signs of slowing down. So it's particularly important that the Ravens find a quality receiver.... The Ravens will release OT Harry Swayne because of cap concerns and will not re-sign free-agent RB Priest Holmes.

KEY DECISIONS: There have been strong indications the Ravens won't re-sign OLB Jamie Sharper because of money issues, and reserve OLB Cornell Brown also might not return. With Brown and Sharper gone, the Ravens likely would select an outside linebacker or offensive tackle with their first-round draft pick. Starting SS Kim Herring had an excellent season, but the team might choose to go with Corey Harris, who gives a similar effort for less money. --Mike Preston

Buffalo

QB QUANDARY: Reports that the Buccaneers are interested in QB Doug Flutie are good news to Rob Johnson and his agent, Leigh Steinberg. Steinberg thinks the team never truly will belong to Johnson as long as the hugely popular Flutie remains on the roster. Steinberg says he hasn't spoken to team president/G.M. Tom Donahoe about the situation, but Donahoe agrees the team needs to put the quarterback controversy to rest. That will only happen if one quarterback leaves. The club probably would need to find a backup, either a free agent or through the draft. Backup Alex Van Pelt is an unrestricted free agent, and the team might not re-sign him.

EUROPEAN VACATION: WRs Avion Black and Kwame Cavil, OT Jon Carman, DT Leif Larsen and FB Josh Roth are prime candidates for NFL Europe. With the uncertainty surrounding free-agent WR Eric Moulds, Black and Cavil need more work to improve the team's depth. Black has great speed but needs to improve his routes. Cavil isn't particularly fast but has great hands and runs good routes. Carman's pass blocking and footwork need work. Larsen, who got a chance to play a lot as a rookie because of injuries, needs to fight off blocks better. Roth spent the season on the practice squad, but, as the team's only true fullback, could make the roster after a strong summer. --Allen Wilson

Cincinnati