The Bengals will have AJ McCarron longer than expected. Former Dallas Cowboys wideout Chris Brown will add speed to the receiving corps.
Another day and another spin on the AJ McCarron situation. Bengals fans have become attached to the backup quarterback that almost led them out of the wilderness. McCarron took over for Andy Dalton, in Week 14 of the 2015 campaign. When Dalton injured his thumb on an ill-advised tackle of Stephon Tuitt, McCarron stepped in to finish the regular season. AJ went 2-2 and almost pulled off a W in the Wild Card showdown against the Steelers.
At the end of the Bengals horrid 2016 campaign, McCarron stated that he was ready for a trade. If the Bengals decided to deal him away, he was fine with the notion of another team. But, AJ was also thought to be a free agent this year. Pump the brakes boys, it ain’t that easy.
As things stand, McCarron is slated to become a restricted free agent in 2018. Here’s the skinny, per The Cincinnati Enquirer. When McCarron was drafted in 2014, he was put on the NFI list (non-football injury), because of a shoulder complication. Due to the situation, which occurred in July, McCarron was able to make the 53-man roster. He would have been wiped off the list, after Week 6 of the season. The Bengals filed for an extension and he was added to the active roster on December 9.
Let’s jump to the Cliffs Notes version. McCarron didn’t play enough games to account towards unrestricted free agent status. If a team wants the services of AJ, they must compensate the Bengals with either a first or second round pick, a fifth round slot or right to match the team’s contract offer. The first round pick is in play if they refuse to match. Whew. Bottom line: He’s here.
Speed Kills…Just Run It
Remember that guys against girls dance-off scene in Chris Brown’s video? Oh, wait a second.That’s the wrong Brown. The Bengals continued their light walk through the NFL forest and acquired the former Dallas wideout off the waiver wire. Cincinnati claimed him when the
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Cowboys decided to release the rookie receiver after a yearlong stay on the injured reserve. If his issue with a broken foot reminds you of something, just think Marvin Jones.
The acquisition smells of an insurance move to cover unforeseen developments in the Draft. If the Bengals can’t snag a burner, Brown’s 4.5 speed could definitely be put to use. His skill set will be a welcome addition for the Bengals, once he heals and regains his athleticism. The former Notre Dame speedster was once a sprinter and high jumper for the U.S. Junior National Track team in 2011. Brown’s ability to elevate and get those tough passes from Andy Dalton will be truly welcomed.
Bengals brass is well aware of Brown’s talent. At one point, the Texan’s Will Fuller was on their radar. If negotiations with Brandon LaFell fall through, Brown could step in and take the mantle of downfield and slot threat.