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Bengals say A.J. McCarron has starter-level talent

By Matt Verderame

Aug 24, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback A.J. McCarron on the sidelines against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 24, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback A.J. McCarron on the sidelines against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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After watching second-string quarterback A.J. McCarron change his throwing motion this offseason, folks around the Queen City are tripping over themselves in excitement. In fact, the Cincinnati Bengals coaches are saying that McCarron has the look of a starting quarterback, according to Albert Breer of NFL.com.

Currently, Cincinnati has a starting quarterback who is dividing the fan base in Andy Dalton. Dalton has made the playoffs all four years of his NFL career after being a second-round pick in 2011 from TCU, but he’s yet to win a postseason game or even play well in one. However, Dalton was given a six-year, $96 million extension in 2014, so his contract will basically nail McCarron to the bench.

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All of this scuttlebutt is for one of two reasons. It is either to light a fire under Dalton, who made the Pro Bowl last year but played like hot garbage for most of it (19 touchdowns, 17 interceptions), or it is to jack up any possible trade value on McCarron. The former Alabama Crimson Tide was a good quarterback in college, but he was never considered a top prospect. His arm strength and mechanics were in question last year during the draft process, forcing him into the fifth round.

Realistically, Dalton is going to be the starter coming out of camp unless he’s injured. When you are paying the guy close to $100 million, he’s going to get every chance to prove himself. Also, in fairness to Dalton, the team has been very successful since he took over. While the playoffs have been a massive bummer, does anyone remember Cincinnati before Dalton showed up?

Looking at the contract structure (check out Spotrac, they do an awesome job), Dalton will not be cut regardless of his play until 2017 at the earliest. Cincinnati could cut him loose after this season but would only save $5.9 million and would have a ridiculous $14.4 million in dead money over the following three years. Barring Dalton turning into JaMarcus Russell this year, he will have at least two more with Cincinnati.

In the meantime, McCarron can sharpen his skills and continue to mature. If he legitimately becomes a starting-caliber player, the Bengals are at least presented with another option in case Dalton goes all Matt Schaub and falls apart in front of our eyes this season.

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