QB McCarron to be ‘open to everything’
Browns’ interest in free agent matched by several teams.
‘I’m not going to chase the huge contract and be put in a situation that I might not be 100 percent comfortable with just because it’s a lot more money or whatever. ’
In the span CLEVELAND — of four months, AJ McCarron has gone from a bungled trade to the Browns to a chance to sign with any team and hit the jackpot.
The quarterback won his grievance over accrued seasons against the Bengals on Thursday and will become an unrestricted free agent on March 14. The Browns and other teams can begin negotiating for free agents on March 12 but not consummate the deals for two days.
“It’s just a blessing,” he said Thursday. “I was going to be blessed either way because you’re still in the league, you’re still being able to play the game for a living, but it’s just awesome just to be free now and to hopefully get that opportunity and be able to compete somewhere.
“That’s all I’ve ever wanted. I’m just super excited. Just really excited that I get that opportunity now and I just can’t wait to just showcase what I can do and show a team that I can lead a team and win ballgames.”
McCarron, 27, stressed that he’s looking for a chance to play — which he would have in Cleveland — and not the most money. A fifth-round pick of the Bengals in 2014 out of Alabama, he’s sat behind Andy Dalton for four seasons.
“We’re going to be open to everything,” he said. “I’m not the one — the people that know me and truly know me, and my family knows — it’s not about the money for me. I just love playing football. Making the money is great but I just want to play.
AJ McCarron
Free-agent quarterback That’s what I grew up on. That’s what you’re raised on. Like here in the South, you’re raised to love football. It’s not about money. I just want to play.”
McCarron, who started for three seasons at Alabama and won two national championships, went 2-1 for the Bengals in 2015 with Hue Jackson as his offensive coordinator, and almost won a wild-card playoff game over the Steelers. If he chose Cleveland, he would be reunited with former Bengals QB coach and offensive coordinator Ken Zampese.
Other teams, including the Broncos, are expected to be interested.
“Whoever gives me an opportunity,” said McCarron. “I’m not going to chase the huge contract and be put in a situation that I might not be 100 percent comfortable with just because it’s a lot more money or whatever. I want to go somewhere where I can win and help the team win and we have a bright future together. I’m just super excited for this next chapter.”
The Browns have the most cap space in the NFL at $110 million, and the opportunity for McCarron to finally get what he wants: a starting job.