Katherine Webb has been yearning for a new beginning for quite some time.
Weeks before husband AJ McCarron won his grievance against Cincinnati, thus allowing the backup quarterback to enter free agency, the former Miss Alabama took to social media to celebrate the hope for a new chapter, ahead of what was likely her spouse’s last days with the Bengals franchise.
“Looking forward to a New Year and new beginnings!” Webb, 28, wrote on Instagram in late December, 24 hours before the Bengals’ final game of the season.
McCarron’s future in Cincinnati had become something of a question mark after the Bengals attempted to send the former fifth-round draft pick to the Browns ahead of the NFL trade deadline this past fall. The signal-caller filed a labor grievance against the club in November, claiming his rookie season should be counted toward unrestricted free agency, which commences at the start of the new league year next month. McCarron, 27, signed a four-year, $2.4 million contract in 2014, but was placed on the non-football injury list despite being physically capable of playing.
Following Thursday’s ruling, Webb praised McCarron’s capabilities as they prepare to turn to the next page of his NFL career. McCarron is looking for a shot to be a starter after four years behind Andy Dalton in Cincinnati. He saw the most action in 2015: With Dalton down with an injury. McCarron played in seven games, competing 79 of 119 passes with six touchdowns and two interceptions.
“One of the biggest lessons we have learned these past 4 yrs is to ‘Let go, and let God,'” Webb began. “Over these years I have seen huge growth personally and athletically from AJ since his time at Alabama. Humbleness, gratefulness and patience most of all.
“AJ likes to not always go with the crowd, and do or say the most popular things. Such as expressing gratitude when we almost were traded to Cleveland,” she continued. “Competitiveness and leadership lives deep down in his soul, so he would have loved nothing more than the opportunity to try and help change an organization around and get them a win, while showing his talent.”
While the Browns did get a shoutout, Webb made it clear all options are open.
“No matter if it was the Browns or somewhere else. I can’t wait for him to get his chance to show the world his talent and his leadership. He was born for this. Any organization would be lucky to get this man and I truly feel this way. These past 4 years weren’t a waste at all. It was undeniably meant to happen this way so that he could be prepared for the next chapter.”
Free agency kicks off March 14.