Former Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron is among free-agent quarterbacks working out for the Cleveland Browns, according to a report Thursday via Twitter from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
McCarron was with the Atlanta Falcons last year when he tore the ACL in his right knee during the first quarter of his team's preseason loss to the Miami Dolphins. He missed the entire 2021 season.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Thursday night that the Browns are signing quarterback Josh Rosen - who also spent last season with the Falcons - to a one-year deal.
McCarron - who had been expected to back up Atlanta starter Matt Ryan - was drafted by the Bengals in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft and spent his first four seasons in Cincinnati.
In 2017, The Enquirer confirmed that the Bengals and Browns discussed a trade for McCarron. The Bengals had previously required a first-round pick in exchange for McCarron. A source indicated the Browns were willing to send 2018 second- and third-round picks in the deal. The Enquirer confirmed the Browns did not send the paperwork to the league office.
Multiple league sources told The Enquirer there was a disconnect in Cleveland between the personnel department and the coaching staff about McCarron. A source confirmed the Browns tried to appeal to the league to get the deal done. ESPN reported the league rejected the appeal.
The Falcons announced in April 2021 that they signed the free-agent quarterback to a one-year deal.
McCarron appeared in two games for the Houston Texans in 2020, completing one pass for 20 yards.
In 17 career games for the Bengals, Oakland Raiders and Texans, McCarron has completed 109 of his 174 attempts for 1,173 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions.
McCarron quarterbacked the Bengals in their 18-16 playoff loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Jan. 2016.
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