COMMENTARY | It seems like we've been talking for years about how the Cincinnati Bengals are finally poised to take the next step in the AFC North by surpassing both the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Could 2013 finally be that year?

It's the dead of the offseason so it couldn't hurt to take a premature look at the main contenders for the AFC North crown. Cincinnati accumulated a 3-3 record in the division a year ago and ended up finishing second and watching from home as Baltimore went on to win the Super Bowl.

On paper, Cincinnati has improved after a draft class that presumably solved issues at running back, safety and more, not to mention adding additional talent at tight end with Tyler Eifert.

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PITTSBURGH –  The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed rookie safety Shamarko Thomas to a four-year contract. The Steelers selected Thomas with the 111th overall pick in last month's NFL draft, trading a third-round pick in 2014 to the Cleveland Browns to move up and take Thomas.

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PITTSBURGH ─ The Steelers will hold their 2013 Organized Team Activities in the upcoming weeks at the team’s headquarters at the UPMC Sports Performance Complex.

The following is a schedule of media availability (times subject to change):

Tuesday, May 21:

10:25 a.m.-12 p.m.                       On-field OTA #1 (open to local media)

12 p.m.                                             Players available coming off the field

Wednesday, May 22:

10:25 a.m.-12 p.m.                       On-field OTA #2 (open to local media)

12 p.m.                                             Players available coming off the field

Thursday, May 23:

10:25 a.m.-12 p.m.                       On-field OTA #3 (open to local media)

12 p.m.                                             Players available coming off the field

Tuesday, May 28:

10:25 a.m.-12 p.m.                       On-field OTA #4 (open to local media)

12 p.m.                                             Players available coming off the field

Wednesday, May 29:

10:25 a.m.-12 p.m.                       On-field OTA #5 (open to local media)

12 p.m.                                             Players available coming off the field

Thursday, May 30:

10:25 a.m.-12 p.m.                       On-field OTA #6 (open to local media)

12 p.m.                                             Players available coming off the field

Monday, June 3:

10:25 a.m.-12 p.m.                       On-field OTA #7 (open to local media)

12 p.m.                                             Players available coming off the field

Tuesday, June 4:

10:25 a.m.-12 p.m.                       On-field OTA #8 (open to local media)

12 p.m.                                             Players available coming off the field

Wednesday, June 5:

10:25 a.m.-12 p.m.                       On-field OTA #9 (open to local media)

12 p.m.                                             Players available coming off the field

Thursday, June 6:

10:25 a.m.-12 p.m.                       On-field OTA #10 (open to local media)

12 p.m.                                             Players available coming off the field