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One of the most intriguing NFL players set to hit free agency this year is Bengals backup quarterback AJ McCarron.
A big part of that is the known free agent status of McCarron, who signed a four-year contract as a rookie in 2014. However, McCarron had a shoulder issue when he reported to the Bengals, and he spent most of his rookie season on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list.
Because he was on Cincinnati’s active roster for only the final three weeks of the regular season, the Bengals contend McCarron did not accrue a year of service time in 2014. Four years of service time are required to become an unrestricted free agent.
Players with three years of service time become restricted free agents, which is what McCarron is expected to be this year, but he’s filed a grievance in hopes of changing his status to unrestricted free agent. McCarron’s case is expected to go to arbitration on February 15.
Whatever happens, there’s a good chance McCarron will be on a new team when the 2018 NFL season begins.
Use this stream to keep track of the latest news surrounding McCarron and his free agent status for the 2018 league year.