Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo of the New England Patriots sets up a play against the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday in Glendale, Arizona. New England won 23-21. (Photo : Getty Images/ Ethan Miller)
The NFL offseason is underway and many teams are looking for a new quarterback. Some teams want a veteran but others prefer younger guys like AJ McCarron and Jimmy Garoppolo. Between the two young backup quarterbacks, NFL executives reportedly like McCarron than Garoppolo.
McCarron, the Cincinnati Bengals backup QB, has made it clear to the team that he wants a chance to start. However, he cannot do it in Cincinnati with Andy Dalton blocking his path. The Bengals are expected to test the trade market for McCarron over the next month.
"You want to play as a competitor. I'll let my agent handle everything and go with whatever he says," McCarron told Jim Owczarski of Cincinnati.com.
"This place will always have a special place in my heart just for what they've done for me. I really appreciated it," he added.
Another backup QB linked to many NFL rumors is Garoppolo of the New England Patriots. The reigning Super Bowl champions are not in a hurry to trade their backup QB for draft picks but many teams like the Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears are reportedly interested.
However, several NFL executives like the potential of McCarron than Garoppolo. One executive told Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com that he would target McCarron over Garoppolo if he can' find a proven quarterback on the trade or free agent market.
"If I had to choose one, I would go after McCarron. Ideally, you get him for a late second- or early third-round pick. Then, if it doesn't work out, you draft a QB in 2018," another executive said.
Back in January, Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis revealed that no team was interested in acquiring McCarron. However, the team is expected to demand a first-round pick in exchange for the 26-year-old backup quarterback.
Teams could also be more attracted to McCarron than Garoppolo because he's under team control for two more seasons. He missed the majority of his rookie year in 2014 to injury so he won't be an unrestricted free agent until the 2019 offseason.
On the other hand, the Patriots backup is set to enter free agency at the end of next season. He will surely look for a big contract, especially if he has an incredible season with his new team.
