Fansided

5 quarterbacks next in line to cash in like Drew Brees

By Dave Stevenson

Aug 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) makes a throw in the second quarter of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) makes a throw in the second quarter of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

4. A.J. McCarron

They say a backup quarterback is just one injury away from being a starter. Before Drew Bledsoe got injured, Tom Brady was the backup. Brady’s career since becoming the starter has been stellar, to say the least. A.J. McCarron of the Cincinnati Bengals could be following a similar career path.

It’s worth noting that McCarron is coming off a terrific college career. He has a reputation of being a winner after helping Alabama win three national championships as a starter. McCarron could follow the path of Brady and Brock Osweiler should Andy Dalton get injured. He will be a free agent after the 2017 season.

McCarron has a small sample size thus far, but it is impressive. In four regular season starts in 2015, McCarron threw for 832 passing yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions. Not too shabby. Game managers like McCarron still have some value in today’s NFL. Perhaps the Minnesota Vikings would be willing to turn to McCarron as their Plan B if Teddy Bridgewater never returns to the field.

Will he be worth a $50 million contract? Probably not, but don’t be surprised if someone gives him that. After all, he could be just one injury away from getting a chance to prove himself.

Next: 3. Kirk Cousins

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