Raiders News: AJ McCarron Released by Oakland After 1 Season

Another viable backup quarterback landed on the NFL free-agency market Thursday afternoon, as the Oakland Raiders released AJ McCarron, according to the team's official website.

McCarron appeared in only two games during his lone season in Oakland last year, completing one pass for eight yards. The Raiders acquired McCarron in a trade with the Buffalo Bills, who dealt him after the 2018 preseason.

Following McCarron's release, the Raiders also released wide receiver Jordy Nelson.

Prior to his stint as a Raider, McCarron spent three seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he primarily backed up Andy Dalton. 

The 28-year-old's best NFL season came in 2015, when he appeared in seven games and went 79-of-119 (66.4 percent) for 854 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions. 

The Bengals selected McCarron with a fifth-round pick in the 2014 draft following his prolific college career at Alabama.

McCarron has never quite found his footing in the NFL since leading Alabama to three national championships. 

Following McCarron's exit from Oakland, Nathan Peterman figures to back up starter Derek Carr. 

McCarron's release saves the Raiders $5 million, per Scott Bair of NBC Sports Bay Area.

The Raiders could seek to sign a cheap backup to add more QB depth. Alternatively, they could select a quarterback in the upcoming draft. They have three first-round picks after trading linebacker Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears and wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Dallas Cowboys last season.

After the blockbuster trade for wide receiver Antonio Brown and signings of receiver Tyrell Williams and safety Lamarcus Joyner in free agency, Oakland seems to be trimming its financial fat.