Cincinnati Bengals Not Shopping AJ McCarron
Cincinnati Bengals backup quarterback AJ McCarron has been linked to just about every quarterback-needy team in the National Football League (NFL) this offseason. But is he even on the trading block? Did teams inquire about his availability?
During an interview at the American Football Conference (AFC) coaches media breakfast in Phoenix, Arizona, Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis was asked by reporters if they would consider trading McCarron and he said teams haven't even called to ask for a trade.
"AJ McCarron is a valuable member of our football team," Lewis said, according to the Bengals' official website. "No one has asked to trade him. We're not going to go out and seek a trade for AJ McCarron. He's a valuable member of the team," he continued.
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Well, they may not be shopping McCarron around the league, but they are still going to listen to offers just like every other team in the league. Lewis didn't really close the door on a potential trade.
Meanwhile, several sources say the Cleveland Browns are interested in McCarron. And according to Bengals.com's Geoff Hobson, the Bengals will consider moving their backup quarterback to a division rival like the Browns if the price is right.
"It's believed trading a backup quarterback within the AFC North to a coach they greatly regard is rather distasteful to Bengals president Mike Brown. But given Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin's pronouncement earlier this month that the Bengals will listen to anyone, Brown also appears to have a price," Hobson said in his report.
During the interview, Lewis was also asked if he would pull the trigger the trigger to a trade involving McCarron if the Browns offer them the 12th overall pick in return and he quipped, "How about No. 1?"
Well, it's clear that the price for acquiring McCarron is going to be steep, but it looks like he's available for trade.
