There are several NFL teams in need of a quarterback, but options are scarce both in free agency and the upcoming draft. Some teams will search for a QB through the trade market, and some executives think Cincinnati Bengals backup A.J. McCarron is the best backup available—not New England Patriots backup Jimmy Garoppolo.
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NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah surveyed five executives about the potentially available quarterbacks this offseason, and some preferred McCarron.
"I wouldn't feel good about making a major commitment to any of these quarterbacks," one executive said. "If I had to choose one, I would go after McCarron. Ideally, you get him for a late second- or early third-round pick. Then, if it doesn't work out, you draft a QB in 2018."
The price tag for McCarron figures to be cheaper than Garoppolo's, and McCarron won't be an unrestricted free agent for two years. Garoppolo only has one year left on his rookie deal.
McCarron wants to start, and he has made it known that he would like to be traded in the offseason if the Bengals can make a deal work.
McCarron went 2-1 in the regular season in 2015 after Andy Dalton was hurt, throwing for 854 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions. He also started a playoff game that year against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Bengals reportedly want a first rounder for McCarron, and it's unlikely many teams will be willing to pay that price for him. But if they can trade him for a second or third, he could be on the move this offseason.
(h/t NFL.com)
