Multiple NFL teams are expected to reach out to the Bengals about A.J. McCarron this offseason. Peter King wrote about the Cleveland Browns search for a quarterback and says Hue Jackson likes McCarron "a lot."
"The Browns have to get a quarterback this off-season, and the quarterback can’t be an RG3-type placeholder or a Cody Kessler-shot-in-the-dark guess," King wrote. "I’m guessing the Browns inquire on Garoppolo and get rebuffed—unless they offer the 12th overall pick plus another high pick. At this stage, the Browns lead the league in high picks acquired, and it’s gotten them to the bottom of the league. Now it’s time to pay through the nose if there’s a quarterback Jackson loves. Then we come to the college guys. If Trubisky’s the guy, just take him first overall, as crazy as it sounds. But if Jackson is lukewarm on the top collegians, he likes McCarron a lot (he coached him as a Bengal rookie), and can fall back on him. He’ll just have to overpay, because Cincinnati owner Mike Brown does not want to trade him. The Browns have the 33rd, 51st and 65th picks to play with if McCarron’s their man."
If the Bengals can ship McCarron to the Browns for the 33rd pick in the NFL Draft, then they should. They have a ton of holes on offense and defense. They should unload a backup in McCarron in hopes of turning the pick into a starter. That could be the new pass rusher, running back or wide receiver Bengals fans have been hoping for.
Other teams should also inquire about the Bengals quarterback this offseason. I wouldn't be shocked if the New York Jets or the Houston Texans called the Bengals about McCarron.
Here's an in-depth look at Bengals' free agency.
Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com believes they will stand by Jeremy Hill and could lose Kevin Zeitler.
Pro Football Focus' latest mock draft would be ideal for the Bengals.
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Email me: JamesRapien@iheartmedia.com
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