Cleveland Browns tried, failed to acquire A.J. McCarron at deadline

According to Adam Schefter, the Cleveland Browns tried — and failed — to acquire Cincinnati Bengals backup QB A.J. McCarron at the trade deadline…

In addition to the wild and crazy Kelvin Benjamin trade with three minutes left before the NFL Trade Deadline, we almost had a big deal done by the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals for backup quarterback A.J. McCarron.

Teams continue to be enamored by backup quarterbacks, some with at least a little justification, and others, well, not so much.

The continued pursuit of A.J. McCarron by other teams around the league is baffling to me, but that’s perhaps a different story for another day. Here’s the news from Adam Schefter:

Apparently, this deal was closer than close. The Browns reportedly filed the move to the NFL offices moments too late, and were denied:

Typical Browns.

In recent years, the Browns have failed in their pursuit of a new franchise quarterback, but not without plenty of opportunity. They had traded out of the opportunity to draft Carson Wentz last year, which now looks like a huge mistake. They also passed on this year’s class of quarterbacks, all of which are looking like they have significant potential.

Specifically, DeShaun Watson.

There was also a report from Benjamin Allbright that things behind the scenes in Cleveland were ugly following the Jimmy Garoppolo trade. This thread is worth looking at:

Despite all their opportunities this year, and last year, and many years prior, the Browns have failed more than any other team it seems to find a legitimate starting quarterback. DeShone Kizer, the team’s second round pick, has not been cutting it thus far as a rookie. Cody Kessler and Kevin Hogan aren’t cutting it, either.

Now, it looks like the Browns have failed at another chance to land a quarterback of their choosing, even if missing out on McCarron could turn out to be a blessing in disguise.