AJ McCarron’s NFL experience is defined by his transition from a heavily decorated collegiate winner at Alabama to a long-tenured professional backup quarterback, followed by stints as a starter in the United Football League (UFL). Selected in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, McCarron spent his professional career primarily operating in backup and developmental capacities across multiple franchises, punctuated by rare starting opportunities, extensive time on practice squads, and a notable late-career resurgence in alternative professional spring football.
Collegiate Background and Draft Profile
Before evaluating AJ McCarron and his NFL experience, it is essential to examine the collegiate foundation that brought him to the professional level. Playing under head coach Nick Saban at the University of Alabama, McCarron achieved historic success. He became the first quarterback in BCS history to win back-to-back national championships, securing titles for the 2011 and 2012 seasons.
During his time in Tuscaloosa, McCarron set numerous program records. He finished his career with a stellar 36-4 record as a starter, throwing for 9,019 yards, 77 touchdowns, and only 15 interceptions. In 2013, he finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting behind Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston and won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
Despite this extraordinary resume, NFL scouts and talent evaluators expressed mixed projections regarding his professional translation. Critics pointed to Alabama's overwhelmingly talented supporting cast, dominant offensive line, and run-heavy system as factors that inflated his statistics. Additionally, scouts questioned his arm strength relative to elite draft prospects and viewed him primarily as a high-floor, system-dependent game manager rather than a franchise-altering playmaker. This scouting consensus caused him to slide on draft boards into the middle rounds.
The Cincinnati Bengals Era (2014–2017)
The Cincinnati Bengals selected McCarron in the fifth round (145th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft. This period constituted the most stable and prominent stretch of his initial NFL career.
Rookie Development and Injury Redshirt
McCarron spent the entirety of his rookie 2014 season on the non-football injury (NFI) list due to persistent shoulder soreness. This designation allowed him to rehab and learn the complex West Coast offense implemented by offensive coordinator Hue Jackson without the immediate pressure of game-day action. He served as an understudy to veteran starter Andy Dalton, quietly absorbing the mental demands of the quarterback position at the professional level.
The 2015 Season and the Wild Card Opportunity
McCarron's most significant moment in the NFL occurred during the 2015 season. When Andy Dalton suffered a thumb injury in Week 14 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, McCarron was thrust into the starting role for the final three games of the regular season, helping the Bengals secure an AFC North division title.
He started two regular-season games and the AFC Wild Card playoff matchup against the very same Steelers team. In that tense playoff game on January 9, 2016, McCarron performed admirably under adverse conditions. After Dalton's injury left the team vulnerable, McCarron rallied the Bengals from a late deficit in the fourth quarter, throwing a go-ahead touchdown pass to wide receiver A.J. Green.
Though a flurry of late penalties and a critical fumble ultimately cost Cincinnati the game in a 18-16 defeat, McCarron completed 23 of 41 passes for 212 yards and a touchdown in his first postseason start, proving he could manage a high-stakes playoff environment.
Subsequent Backup Seasons
Following his 2015 cameo, McCarron returned to his primary role as Dalton's backup through the 2016 and 2017 campaigns. Opportunities for game action were minimal during this stretch, as Dalton remained healthy and durable. McCarron hit restricted free agency in 2018 seeking a clearer path to a starting job elsewhere.
Journeyman Backup and Practice Squad Years (2018–2021)
As his rookie contract expired, McCarron embarked on a multi-year journey as a valued backup across several franchises, valued for his intelligence, locker room presence, and deep understanding of NFL playbooks.
| Team | Years Active | Primary Role / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati Bengals | 2014–2017 | Draft pick; primary backup; 2015 playoff starter |
| Buffalo Bills | 2018 | Signed as free agent; competed in training camp before trade |
| Oakland Raiders | 2018 | Acquired via trade; served as Derek Carr's backup |
| Houston Texans | 2019–2020 | Backup to Deshaun Watson; re-signed for a second year |
| Atlanta Falcons | 2021 | Signed as veteran backup to mentor younger quarterbacks |
Buffalo Bills and Oakland Raiders (2018)
In March 2018, McCarron signed a two-year contract with the Buffalo Bills. However, after a crowded training camp quarterback competition involving rookie Josh Allen and Nathan Peterman, the Bills traded McCarron to the Oakland Raiders just before the start of the regular season in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick. In Oakland, he served as the primary backup to Derek Carr, appearing in two games primarily in mop-up duty.
Houston Texans (2019–2020)
McCarron signed with the Houston Texans in March 2019 to back up Deshaun Watson. He spent two seasons in Houston. His most notable appearance came in Week 17 of the 2019 season against the Tennessee Titans, where the Texans rested their starters. McCarron started that regular-season finale, completing 21 of 36 passes for 225 yards and an interception in a 35-14 loss. He re-signed with Houston on a one-year deal for the 2020 season.
Atlanta Falcons and ACL Injury (2021)
In June 2021, McCarron signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons to serve as the veteran backup behind longtime starter Matt Ryan. Unfortunately, his season ended prematurely during a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins on August 21, 2021, when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This injury sidelined him for the entire 2021 NFL regular season.
Career Statistics Summary
Throughout his official NFL tenure, McCarron's appearances were limited due to his primary deployment as a backup. The statistical record reflects a conservative passer who prioritized ball security and high completion percentages over high-volume yardage.
- Games Played: 17
- Games Started: 4 (including playoffs)
- Pass Completions / Attempts: 109 / 174 (approx. 62.6%)
- Passing Yards: 1,173
- Passing Touchdowns: 6
- Interceptions: 3
- Passer Rating: 86.7
Transition to Spring Football and Late-Career Resurgence
Faced with limited opportunities to secure permanent roster spots in the NFL following his ACL recovery—including brief practice squad stints with the Atlanta Falcons—McCarron pivoted to alternative professional football leagues to showcase his starting capabilities.
St. Louis BattleHawks (XFL 2023)
In November 2022, McCarron was assigned to the St. Louis BattleHawks of the XFL. This decision revitalized his playing career. In the 2023 XFL season, McCarron experienced immediate and sustained success as an elite starter. He led the league in passing touchdowns (24) and completion percentage, guiding the BattleHawks to a competitive 7-3 record while establishing himself as one of the premier offensive players in spring football.
St. Louis BattleHawks (UFL 2024–Present)
Following the merger of the XFL and USFL into the United Football League (UFL), McCarron returned to the St. Louis BattleHawks for the 2024 season. He continued his high level of play, once again earning all-league consideration and cementing his status as a star quarterback outside the NFL ecosystem. His performance in spring football demonstrated that while the NFL preferred him in a clipboard-carrying mentor role, he maintained the physical traits and execution skills necessary to operate a dynamic, high-scoring offense as a primary starter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What teams did AJ McCarron play for in the NFL?
AJ McCarron played for the Cincinnati Bengals, Oakland Raiders, Houston Texans, and Atlanta Falcons during his active NFL career. He spent the largest portion of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he was drafted in 2014 and remained through the 2017 season.
Did AJ McCarron ever start a playoff game?
Yes. McCarron started the AFC Wild Card playoff game for the Cincinnati Bengals against the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 9, 2016. He replaced the injured Andy Dalton and threw a late go-ahead touchdown pass before the Bengals narrowly lost 18-16.
Why did AJ McCarron transition to the XFL and UFL?
After sustaining a torn ACL in 2021 and facing a saturated market for backup quarterbacks in the NFL, McCarron sought an environment where he could be a guaranteed starting quarterback. Joining the St. Louis BattleHawks allowed him to play meaningful snaps, showcase his leadership, and excel as an offensive focal point.
How successful was AJ McCarron in college at Alabama?
McCarron was exceptionally successful under head coach Nick Saban. He won back-to-back BCS National Championships in the 2011 and 2012 seasons, finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting in 2013, and compiled a 36-4 record as the Crimson Tide's starting quarterback.
What are AJ McCarron's career NFL passing statistics?
Across 17 total appearances and four starts, McCarron completed 109 of 174 passes for 1,173 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions, accumulating a career NFL passer rating of 86.7.
Final Recommendation
For researchers, fans, and analysts evaluating AJ McCarron and his NFL experience, understanding his trajectory requires looking beyond traditional box scores. While he did not secure a long-term starting role in the NFL, his career illustrates the demanding reality of professional quarterback evaluation, where high-level collegiate achievement does not automatically guarantee starting status at the highest level. His ability to sustain an active professional career through backup stability, rigorous rehabilitation, and an impressive late-career pivot to spring football highlights his resilience, tactical acumen, and professional longevity.
