The price for quarterback AJ McCarron may be too high for many teams needing his services. But, on the eve of the draft, the Bengals could get offers.
The 2017 NFL Draft is happening Thursday night. During the wild and hectic hours before the clock strikes midnight on Wednesday, anything can happen. There are teams that have glaring needs at the skill positions. But, the Bengals may not have any takers for quarterback AJ McCarron. With the asking price being astronomical, McCarron could end up seeing another year in Cincy.
For the moment, the Bengals haven’t courted any deals that would knock their socks off. Rumors of a possible deal with the Cleveland Browns were put to rest by General Manager Sashi Brown. The San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets, Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars are all in the hunt for a signal caller. On the eve of the draft, a surprise could unfold. If the Bengals covet any of the talent that could be going early in the 1st round, there could be a loud splash in Cincinnati. That would be the sound of McCarron being dealt for someone they really need.
As for now, the insanity of the trade rumors is not phasing McCarron. At least that’s what the fourth-year QB is saying. He’s taking it all in stride as he readies for offseason workouts with the Bengals.
"“Nothing I can do. That’s my job,” McCarron commented, via Bengals.com. “I’m trying to be the best guy I can be for this team. You always want your chance to play. It will happen, I just have to wait for my time. I believe that. I trust in my ability.”"
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That ability is what has gotten McCarron onto the wish lists of various teams around the NFL. The rumor mill may be slow for the time being. But, the action could get fast and furious as draft day nears. If any teams are willing to get into the ring with the Bengals, it could get nasty. It’s either going to be obscene cash or a 1st round pick. If the Bengals are feeling feisty, it could be both.
On the veteran QB market: If the #Bengals are going to trade AJ McCarron it will require a 1st round pick -- at least. Pretty unlikely.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 25, 2017
"“I’m a huge competitor. I’ve always been that way. I want to play,” McCarron explained. “But it’s something I can’t control. There’s no reason to worry about it because it spills into your life and it can affect your marriage and your relationships with people. I don’t want that. A lot of people wish they could be in my shoes and get the money we to get to play a game. I love it. I’m at peace with it.”"
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McCarron may have found nirvana but Bengals fans aren’t ready to see him go or play behind Andy Dalton. His time playing could give Cincinnati a reason to make him a restricted free agent. But, AJ and his lawyers are leaning towards the prospect of him being unrestricted. Until it all gets ironed out or a mega deal gets approved, McCarron will be in Orange and Black.