AJ McCarron is set to return to the St. Louis Battlehawks for another season, as confirmed by the team on Friday. This news comes on the heels of the Cincinnati Bengals releasing the quarterback earlier in the week, allowing him to join any team as a free agent.
McCarron’s performance in the XFL last season was impressive, leading in touchdown passes, completion percentage, and passing efficiency. His return is timely as the Battlehawks prepare for the upcoming United Football League season, which merges four XFL and four USFL franchises. Training camp for UFL teams begins later this month, with the season kickoff scheduled for March 30.
During the 2023 NFL season, McCarron briefly stepped in as the Cincinnati Bengals’ backup quarterback after Joe Burrow suffered a wrist injury. In his two appearances, he completed 4-of-5 passes for 19 yards, without any touchdowns or interceptions.
In contrast, McCarron’s performance with the Battlehawks last year was noteworthy. He completed 203-of-295 passes for 2,150 yards, with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions in nine games.
Before his time in the XFL, McCarron had a successful collegiate career at Alabama, where he quarterbacked the team to two BCS national championships. He also received individual accolades, including the Maxwell Award and being a Heisman Trophy runner-up. McCarron holds several records at Alabama, including career passing yards and total offense.
Drafted by the Bengals in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft, McCarron had stints with the Bengals, Oakland Raiders, and Houston Texans. However, his career was briefly derailed by a torn ACL in a preseason game in 2021. He returned to football with the Battlehawks after recovering from the injury.
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