AFC.(football teams)

Baltimore

NEW ARM: The offense was one-dimensional last season because it couldn't rely on QB Trent Dilfer's erratic arm. That's why it made sense for the team to sign Elvis Grbac to a five-year, $30 million contract to replace Dilfer. Grbac is not a superstar but throws the long ball well and is familiar with the West Coast offense after operating it in San Francisco and Kansas City. He also made the Pro Bowl as an alternate last season. Though the Ravens need to open up the offense, coach Brian Billick has to be careful not to stray too far from the formula that won a Super Bowl: great defense, solid special reruns and ball-control offense. Because the team lacks proven receivers, it shouldn't force the vertical game.

PLANS A AND B: The team wood like to re-sign C Jeff Mitchell, but if it doesn't, it will use that money to sign a quality right tackle. The team plans to release RT Harry Swayne and has brought in free agents Leon Searcy and Ben Coleman for visits. Coleman has played every position in the line except center. Searcy seems to be the team's first preference.... Free-agent LB Jamie Sharper apparently wants to stay with the Ravens and might try to work out a one-year deal with the team.... DE Michael McCrary underwent surgery to repair a broken bone in his hand McCrary says he doesn't expect to miss any time in training camp. --Mike Preston

Buffalo

GOING SHOPPING: Losing DE Marcellus Wiley to the Chargers will be a huge loss unless a suitable replacement is found. Second-year DE Erik Flowers will get a shot, but the team also might dip into the free-agent pool. One candidate is unrestricted free-agent Simeon Rice, formerly of the Cardinals. But the team won't pursue any player unless he fits into the team's salary-cap structure.... Coach Gregg Williams says that last year only 41 percent of the players took part in the team's offseason conditioning program and that he wants more of a commitment this year. He says he expects all players under contract with the team to participate.

WELCOME BACK: Every time it looks like QB Alex Van Pelt and the Bills are parting company, they find a way back to each other. The team worked out Van Pelt last week, and chances are good he will return as Rob Johnson's backup. Van Pelt was not re-signed as an unrestricted free agent last year, but he was brought back after Doug Flutie got hurt. A backup for most of his six-year career, Van Pelt is a perfect fit with the Bills. He's intelligent, so he should quickly pick up the new offense. He also is respected by teammates. Though not the long-term solution for the top backup job, Van Pelt should be good enough until a younger player is groomed to replace him. --Allen Wilson

Cincinnati