A.J. McCarron: 3 Teams That Make Ideal Trade Partners
By Erik Lambert
The Cincinnati Bengals have a big decision to make regarding young backup quarterback A.J. McCarron and his future with the team.
For three years he has ably served as the relief pitcher to Andy Dalton, coming into games whenever required and posting some pretty favorable numbers. In 2015, with Dalton injured he started four games including the playoffs. All told he finished with 764 yards, 5 TDs, one interception and a 93.9 quarterback rating. He had the Bengals in position to win their first playoff game since 1990 before a Jeremy Hill fumble and two defensive penalties ruined it.
Much of the talk going into the 2017 off-season is how Tony Romo and Jimmy Garoppolo could be prime trade candidates on the quarterback market. It would seem expectations are McCarron will be included as well. He’s 26-years old and going into the final season of his rookie contract. If the Bengals are hoping to get any value out of him before he’s a free agent, it must be this spring.
Paul Dehner of the Cincinnati Enquirer revealed that the Bengals not only are considering a trade, but have made it part of their “itinerary” for the next few months.
A McCarron deal is a part of the offseason itinerary. Matter of when, where and who will provide the most value. https://t.co/HddmcqkTMr
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) January 2, 2017
McCarron didn’t try to hide from the fact either. He said he would not be upset at the prospect of being dealt elsewhere. While very appreciative to the organization for helping him become a professional, he admitted his burning desire to play hasn’t left.
"“The coaches know, Marvin knows how big of a competitor I am and I want a chance to play,” he said. “But, if it doesn’t happen it doesn’t happen. Things I can’t control. I’m not going to put any, what (offensive coordinator Ken Zampese) likes to say, mental units on that because it’s out of my hands.”"
Given the perceived weakness of the upcoming draft and free agent classes for 2017, there is a strong possibility that McCarron will have a trade market. It’s a matter of figuring out which teams may or may not be interested. Here is a quick rundown of the three likeliest possibilities based on needs and McCarron’s particular skill set.