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The New England Patriots need to find the heir to Tom Brady at quarterback and most expect the team to address the need in the 2018 NFL Draft, which offers a lot of depth at the position. The additional presence of Brian Hoyer prevents the Patriots from having to make a reach for a competent back-up.
But what if another option rears its head?
Keep an eye on the Patriots for AJ McCarron if the price is right.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) March 14, 2018
This is simply a rumor and not a report in any sense, although Allbright has sources of his own.
AJ McCarron filed a grievance in order to gain his unrestricted free agency from the Cincinnati Bengals, but he’s found himself without any real suitors thus far- and there aren’t many teams with an opening at the position anymore.
So what happens if McCarron doesn’t find a starting opportunity? Well, why shouldn’t he join the Patriots with the potential to be the heir to Brady?
The 27-year-old quarterback played well in place of an injured Andy Dalton in 2015, completing 79 of 119 (66.4%) for 854 yards, 6 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions for a passer rating of 97.1, so he certainly has some talent.
And when McCarron came out of college, he had some great things to say about the Patriots and Brady himself.
”When it comes to similarities I think from body build to how we were talked about coming out of college, I think Tom Brady,” McCarron said. “I think we play the game the same way.”
”If I had a chance to go there and learn behind Brady for however long and learn from one of the best to ever play the game,” McCarron added. “That would be an awesome experience.”
So who knows if this will ever happen. But, hey, why not?
[UPDATE 03/14, 7:24 pm ET] McCarron will not join the Patriots, as the Buffalo Bills just signed him to a two-year contract.