If the Cincinnati Bengals want to get the most out of AJ McCarron, they may have to trade him. Versatile CB Bené Benwikere joins the defense.
When it comes to the draft, the Bengals are usually ahead of the curve. The past few classes have been kind to the Cincinnati War Room. Marvin Lewis and Duke Tobin have built a team that has been on the verge of getting it done. Actually, the Bengals are just a few pieces away. That’s why AJ McCarron could be possible trade bait for the weapons that the Bengals need.
During his time in stripes, McCarron has captured the minds of more than a few fans. He has proven that he has the skill set to be a top-notch signal caller in the NFL. But, there’s a price that comes with that talent. Because of his contract structure, teams will have to compensate the Bengals in a few ways. But, if a team wants him enough, that shouldn’t be a problem.
McCarron will still be with the Bengals through the 2017 season. But, after that, his rookie contract is up. That’s when the hounds of Hades will attack with a vengeance. A move has to be made or Cincinnati will lose McCarron and have nothing to show for it.
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Queen City fans may still have a slight bromance with Hue Jackson but that would quickly end if McCarron was suddenly with the Cleveland Browns. Jackson’s “reboot” had a few kinks this year and C-Town notched only one win. Robert Griffin III has suddenly become injury prone. In order to build a team that will win immediately, the Browns need a quality quarterback. The Bengals can’t keep Andy Dalton and AJ.
Don’t rule out the Chicago Bears or the San Francisco 49ers. Both teams are in desperate need of someone under center. Da Bears aren’t trying to keep rebuilding and the Niners…well, that’s a no-brainer.
Jay…Not Jon
Remember that guy who helped Dalton become a prolific passer? Well, Jay Gruden is having QB problems. Evidently, Kirk Cousins wants to do a disappearing act from Washington. Of course, that would leave the door wide open for a McCarron hook up with the former Bengals coordinator. Could that loosen Mr. Brown’s pockets for DeSean Jackson?
Standing On The Corner
With the possibilities of Adam Jones getting some kind of punishment and Dre Kirkpatrick walking, it had to happen. The Bengals dove into the free agent pool and picked up another cornerback. Bene’ Benwikere is now a part of the Bengals secondary.
If you’ve been a fan of the Orange and Black for more than a few years, you knew this move was coming. The only thing that had to manifest was the player’s name. Benwikere was a coveted piece of the Carolina Panthers’ secondary until Julio Jones decided to drop 300 yards on the troubled unit.
Benwikere is ready to make an impact with the Bengals. He talked about the Atlanta game, via Bengals.com and explained what happened.
"“A lot of things went wrong in that game,” Benwikere remembers. “We had one guy on him and he ended up getting hurt. We had another guy on him and then I went on him and at the end of it my name gets the torch for it and that’s kind of what it was.”"
Sounds simple enough. Now, it’s time to prove it.
Next: Bengals Should Consider Trading Up
Bene’ made the rounds to four teams before settling on the Bengals. Hopefully, defensive coordinator Paul Guenther and the staff will get him up to speed. This will be a pivotal year for Cincinnati. The defense will have to prove it’s able to grind out a championship.