NFL free agency update: AJ McCarron signs with Bills
The Buffalo Bills have added to their quarterback room, inking AJ McCarron to a two-year deal on the first day of NFL free agency.
After shorting up the defense over the start of the week, the Buffalo Bills have circled back to address the other side of the ball. The Bills have signed quarterback AJ McCarron to a two-year contract (with details pending), giving them a starting signal-caller for the time being.
Buffalo had spent the beginning of the week locking up Kyle Williams to a one-year deal and Trent Murphy on a three-year pact, but turned its attention to offense on Wednesday night. With the signing of McCarron, the Bills now have Nathan Peterman slotted as the backup quarterback, all while leaving the door open to draft a quarterback in the first round come April.
Bills have agreed to terms with QB AJ McCarron on a two-year deal.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2018
Contract details
While the value of the deal is not yet know, we know McCarron signed through the end of the 2019 season. For the former Alabama star, the second year was likely big. Other quarterbacks in free agency have gotten a lesser term, including Sam Bradford, Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater.
National reaction
Adding A.J. McCarron does nothing to change the belief that Buffalo will be aggressive in trying to continue to move up in the first round of next month's draft for a QB.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2018
From @NFLTotalAccess: The #Bills have a QB and AJ McCarron has a new home. pic.twitter.com/N6WBxptS8a
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2018
Grade
After trading Tyrod Taylor to the Cleveland Browns on Friday, something had to be done. General manager Brandon Beane made sure to fill out the depth chart a bit, and did so with the youngster in McCarron. The Bills likely view him as someone who can create a bridge until their next quarterback is ready, assuming they find a way to snag somebody in the first round of April’s draft.
Grade: A-