The Cincinnati Bengals and quarterback AJ McCarron have officially parted ways as the team granted his request for release, allowing him to pursue a career in the UFL. McCarron expressed his desire to be free from contractual obligations, enabling him to join the St. Louis Battlehawks, his former team in the last season of the XFL.
According to PHNX reporter Howard Balzer, McCarron’s release was announced by the Bengals, and he is expected to sign with the UFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks on Thursday. His contract termination by the Bengals allows
him to join the UFL team ahead of the upcoming season, which commences on March 30. Training camp for UFL players begins on February 24, with the first practice scheduled for February 27.
During his nine-game tenure with the Battlehawks in 2023, where he started all games, McCarron achieved a 6-3 record. He threw for 2,150 yards and 24 touchdowns with six interceptions, in addition to rushing 29 times for 100 yards and a touchdown.
Despite the allure of the NFL, McCarron appears to have chosen a path where he anticipates more playing time on the field. With Joe Burrow firmly established as the Cincinnati Bengals’ quarterback, McCarron recognized the unlikely prospect of securing a QB1 role with the team.
