Somewhat overlooked in what promises to be an eventful offseason when it comes to available quarterbacks, A.J. McCarron may be firmly in the mix here. The Bengals are expected to gauge the market for a potential trade of their backup quarterback over the next month, Chris Wesseling of NFL.com notes.
And NFL evaluators look to be more intrigued by McCarron than a name that’s risen to a higher tier than Cincinnati’s backup has in terms of trade buzz. NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah surveyed five NFL personnel execs about the respective trade values of McCarron and Jimmy Garoppolo, and the decision-makers rated McCarron as the more attractive trade piece.
“I wouldn’t feel good about making a major commitment to any of these quarterbacks,” one executive explained regarding those believed to be available. “If I had to choose one, I would go after McCarron. Ideally, you get him for a late second- or early third-round pick. Then, if it doesn’t work out, you draft a QB in 2018.”
Another exec told Jeremiah he would target McCarron over Garoppolo if his team needed a quarterback. The 26-year-old McCarron has thrown 119 career passes, completing 66 percent of those, but each came in 2015 after what turned out to be a Dalton season-ending injury. The 25-year-old Garoppolo only made it through one game healthy in his Deflategate audition last season, but the former second-round pick has nonetheless drawn extensive interest from QB-needy franchises.
This comes as a bit of a surprise given Garoppolo being linked to several teams — the Browns, 49ers and Bears — compared to scant reports emerging about a prospective deal for McCarron. Multiple second-round picks could be on the table in a Garoppolo deal, with a first-round selection potentially in the realm of possibility.
Earlier this month, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport noted the Browns could pursue McCarron — who spent three years under Hue Jackson‘s tutelage — as a fallback option in case Garoppolo’s price became too much for their liking. Marvin Lewis said recently no team inquired about McCarron last offseason, but the team would have demanded a first-round pick in a deal then, per Jim Owczarski of the Cincinnati Enquirer. It’s reasonable to suggest that could still be the asking price, but if the demand remains nonexistent, it stands to reason the former fifth-round pick could be had for less.
The Cincinnati backup’s value may be viewed as higher because it’s been determined he’s under team control for two more seasons, as an RFA in 2018, compared to Garoppolo being set for a contract year. Being set to enter a fourth season behind Andy Dalton, McCarron would not be opposed to a trade that would let him compete for a starting job.
I know it would be inner division but the Steelers should really consider trading for McCarron. He’d be a much better backup than Jones and he is a QB they could feel comfortable using once Ben retires.
Wouldn’t his rookie contract expire before BR retires? Not sure AJ would want to wait around for that to happen.
The Bengals are crazy if they consider trading A J Mccarron. He’s a winner 2 national championship at Alabama. He’s got the IT factor he knows how to win. I know Andy Dalton puts up some impressive numbers but let’s check his stats in the fourth quarter when the game is within 7 points. I just don’t think the Bengals should be so quick to trade Mcarron. He’s a winner!
Other national champion QBS include: Tim Tebow, Greg McElroy, Matt Flynn, Craig Krenzel, Matt Leinart….. Etc National championships don’t equate to super bowls or even being that good in the pros. The best championship QBS in college in the pros are Newton and Winston. link to thegridfe.com
I would guess the Browns, the 49’S or the Bears Jimmy G will go to one of the teams my guess is Jimmy G to the Bears McCarron goes to the Browns and 49’S get Cutler
McCarron as a back-up/replacement for Drew Brees or maybe Philip Rivers would seem logical
I still like Mcarron vs Dalton, Andy can’t perform under pressure. He’s horrible at calling the correct audible. Defenses stymie him especially when it counts, at that critical moment.
Check AD’s record. Doesn’t seem to stymied as it compares to the greats. As soon as he breaks though in the post season all will be taking feet out of mouth.
Much rather see the Browns trade for McCarron instead of Garoppolo (if they trade for a QB and don’t sign Tyrod Taylor or Nick Foles, etc). McCarron is not an unrestricted free agent at the end of next season, so you would not have to give out a large contract like you would with Garoppolo. It will take far less to acquire McCarron, unless the Patriots front office aren’t as delusional as their fan base and they are not really demanding a 1st round pick and more. The Browns could have McCarron and Kessler compete to start this year and if neither of them look like the future, look to draft a QB next season (Josh Allen, Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, Wilton Speight, etc) and keep one of the two (McCarron or Kessler) as a long-term backup.
I’m a packers fan and I agree with you but after they get a good QB draft a QB in the late rounds every year groom and trade Ron Wolf did this with the Packers and they got many good players
The only issue with that would be whether the bengals FO would allow McCarron to stay within the division
I find it downright comical ppl keep tying the Browns to McCarron.
Hell would freeze over before Mike Brown sends a division rival a quarterback. While we are at it, why don’t we trade Garappolo to Miami.
stupid.
Hey keyboard warrior, why don’t you come out from behind the computer and call me stupid?
Just love how the internet makes some people so brave, thinking they just throw insults from the safety of their mom’s basement.
You could have just disagreed and said you don’t believe that the Bengals would trade within the division and left the insult out of it. See how simple that is?
Bobby I hope you’re correct. AD’s had five years now in the playoffs, if and when he gets his first playoff victory I’ll gladly eat my words, just don’t see it. I still would rather see Mccarron at the helm. Don’t think, (my opinion) Dalton has it in him.
I think you should look at Marvin Lewis before you look at Dalton. Lewis can’t control some of the hot heads on the team. How he continues to be a HC in Cincy is beyond me. Other than being cheap I don’t know why the Bengals haven’t moved on. His record is worse than Daltons.
Oh my Gosh TJECK109, thank you for bringing up Marvin. Which leads me to ownership, the Brown’s both Paul, Mike, and of course Katie are I’m sure wonderful nice people. However they propensity to care way more about money than winning, which has gone on with this team since the franchise was started 50 some years ago. For example the Steelers, same small sized market franchise, difference is the Rooney’s want to make money of course but they want to win as well. The Rooney’s understand what that means to a community and the financial windfall it has on the community. It’s Huge! I know because i was a business owner, restaurant supply in the 90’s, on Monday’s my sales lagged with every loss. However if they managed to win a game sales were almost double. It’s just ashame the Brown’s worry more about their pocket book verses what’s best for the community. Here’s one of the many bone head moves that cost them in the late seventies they had a choice to make between two coaches, Homer Rice or Bill Walsh, sorry Homer no disrespect. For those that don’t know, Bill Walsh is in the pro football hall of fame and I believe the winner of three super bowls with the 49ers.
You don’t know what u are talking about. May want to research amount Bengals spend compared to other teams before u bring this old tired argument that makes absolutely zero sense.
Paying more, for a QB who has only learned to lose from his superior? Or getting one who has played under Brady and only knows how to to win. Case closed in my book fellas
Ya. Cassell worked out so well after he learned under Brady. Mallet too.
Solid take.