The Cincinnati Bengals and quarterback AJ McCarron have parted ways after the franchise decided to grant his wish to release him in order to continue a career in the UFL. According to PHNX reporter Howard Balzer, McCarron made his desire to be free of contractual obligations known to the Bengals so that he could play for the St. Louis Battlehawks again — the same team he suited up for in the last season when the league was still called the XFL.
QB AJ McCarron asked to be released by the Bengals (team announced it today) so he can re-sign with the UFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks, where he played last season when they were in the XFL. Hearing that he will officially sign Thursday.
Contract of QB AJ McCarron officially terminated by Bengals today, so he’s free to sign with STL Battlehawks. Probably would have become a UFA March 13, but UFL season begins March 30. Players report to training camp Feb. 24, conditioning test Feb. 26, first practice Feb. 27.
In nine games (all starts) played with the Battlehawks in 2023, McCarron went 6-3, while passing for 2,150 yards and 24 touchdowns with six interceptions. He also rushed 29 times for 100 yards and a touchdown.
Although there is nothing more glamorous in football than the NFL, McCarron seemingly chose to go in a direction where he will be able to see more action on the field. The Cincinnati Bengals still have Joe Burrow, and there’s just no way that McCarron will be able to wrestle a QB1 role from him.
