Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that there should be a ruling regarding A.J. McCarron‘s grievance against the Bengals at some point this winter, which will determine whether he is an unrestricted or restricted free agent after this season.
This is shaping up to be a big ruling for the Bengals, it’s possible that McCarron could end up departing for a market-value contract next March if it’s determined that he qualifies as an unrestricted free agent.
Otherwise, the Bengals would likely place a first-round restricted tender on McCarron, and keep him in Cincinnati for the 2018 season.