NFL Rumors: Latest Buzz on AJ McCarron, Other Possible Offseason Trade Targets

Is it too early to look ahead to the NFL offseason? Well, unless you’re actually involved with the 12 teams still playing for Super LI, definitely not. For the 20 teams that saw their seasons end last Sunday, it’s already on to the offseason anyway.

Regardless of whether teams have been eliminated from title contention now, all 32 of them will be looking to improve their respective rosters once they turn their attention to the looming free-agency and draft periods.

This year’s free-agency period is set to begin March 9. The draft will take place from April 27 to April 29. While most teams are going to wait until those dates to make any serious moves, rumors about potential deals are already floating around the football world.

We’re here to examine some of the latest ones today.

A.J. McCarron Ready for a Starting Role?

Cincinnati Bengals backup quarterback A.J. McCarron has another year remaining on his current contract. However, there is some sense that teams in need of a quarterback could look to acquire him before that contract runs out.

There is certainly a lot to like about the Alabama product. He has a championship pedigree, having won three national titles with the Crimson Tide (two as a starter). He has shown the ability to lead an NFL offense too, having started four games for the Bengals (including playoffs) during the 2015 season and going 2-2 as a starter.

At 6’3″ and 220 pounds, McCarron also has the size that NFL decision-makers want at the position. The Bengals don’t necessarily need him, however, as Andy Dalton is established as the team’s signal-caller. Sure, McCarron would provide ideal injury insurance, but he sounds like a quarterback who is ready to see more of the playing field.

“The coaches know, Marvin knows how big of a competitor I am and I want a chance to play,” McCarron recently said, per Jim Owczarski of the Cincinnati Enquirer. “But if it doesn’t happen it doesn’t happen.”

If McCarron is looking for a starting gig and is unlikely to re-sign as a backup in a year, the Bengals will likely consider dealing him. In fact, according to Paul Dehner Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer, moving McCarron is part of the “offseason itinerary” for the Bengals:

If McCarron becomes available, he could be one of the top quarterback trade options available, along with Jimmy Garoppolo of the New England Patriots. Teams such as the San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns and New York Jets should show varying degrees of interest.

The Browns …

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