Report: Patriots offer QB McCarron contract

Quarterback AJ McCarron won the right to hit free agency and had his sights set on a starting job, but with openings dwindling, a backup job with the New England Patriots might be the best available offer.

According to WEEI Radio in Boston, the Patriots indeed made a contract offer to McCarron, who was the backup to Andy Dalton in Cincinnati and is not interested in returning to the Bengals.

McCarron has thrown only seven passes the past two seasons but coach Bill Belichick has traditionally been fond of players coached by Nick Saban at Alabama.

Backup quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Jimmy Garoppolo were traded by the Patriots last season. New England signed Brian Hoyer to a three-year deal in October.

--Field Level Media