All-Time Bengals QBs Ranked: Anderson #1, Esiason #2

A.J. McCarron

Cincinnati Bengals
Retired 6 Years In The NFL
🏆 XFL passing touchdowns leader (2023)
A.J.'s
HAIR
10.0
HeyTC AI Rating

Questions about A.J. McCarron or the Bengals?

A.J. McCarron Legacy

HEYTC AI
A.J. McCarron, the cool-headed gunslinger from Mobile who could thread needles under championship lights, etched his name in Alabama immortality as the first QB to hoist back-to-back BCS crystals, capping a 36-3 run with three titles total. Sure, skeptics called him Saban's system guy, but moments like shredding LSU in the 2012 finale or torching Notre Dame defined his clutch DNA—second in Heisman voting, Maxwell in hand, all while owning Tide records. NFL journeyman turned UFL battler, McCarron's real legacy? Proving steady precision wins dynasties, not just highlight reels. Roll Tide forever.

A.J. McCarron Rating Breakdown

Season
Subpar
Fantasy
Average
Playoffs
Non-Factor
Overall
NPC
4 years with the Bengals

A.J. McCarron Career Stats via Wikipedia

1,192 Pass Yards
6 Touchdowns
3 INTs
63.1% Comp %
10.0 HAIR

Frequently Asked Questions About A.J. McCarron

How does Joe Burrow compare to A.J. McCarron?

A.J. McCarron's a footnote to Joe Burrow's novel—1,192 yards and 6 TDs in spot duty versus Burrow's MVP-caliber arm rewriting Bengals lore. McCarron flashed in those 2015 starts, hitting 192 yards on the 49ers, but Burrow's the franchise engine now, while AJ's career peaked as a reliable clipboard holder.

Is A.J. McCarron in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Nope, A.J. McCarron's not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame—no bust in Canton for the fifth-rounder who backed up Andy Dalton. His 1,192 yards and 6 TDs don't scream immortality; guy's more likely to show up in a "best backups" bar debate than the gold jacket club.

What is A.J. McCarron doing now in 2026?

In 2026, McCarron's ditched the huddle for politics, ending his bid for Alabama lieutenant governor after jumping in last year—classic ex-jock pivot from XFL highlights to stump speeches. No more practice squads; he's chasing votes like he did those late-game TDs for the BattleHawks.

How would A.J. McCarron perform in today's NFL?

McCarron's quick-release pocket game would carve a solid backup niche in today's pass-happy NFL, where rules shield QBs like never before—think his 67% college completion translating to Andy Dalton 2.0. That 6.43 career rating? Modern offenses juice it higher, but starter? Nah, depth chart guy.

How does A.J. McCarron compare to Ken Anderson?

Ken Anderson owned the Bengals' pocket in the '70s and '80s with a 39.41 rating and MVP hardware, while McCarron's 6.43 over 18 games is backup blip territory—both Bengals bred, but Anderson's the surgeon, AJ the guy holding the scalpel on game days.