Prior to the trade deadline this past regular season, the Cincinnati Bengals nearly moved quarterback A.J. McCarron to the Cleveland Browns.

However, the deal didn’t go through as the Browns were unable to complete the trade before the trade deadline officially came. The 27-year-old discussed the situation once again last week, stating that he wanted that opportunity to potentially start in Cleveland, according to Creg Stephenson of AL.com.

“As a competitor, I wanted that opportunity, just to be able to showcase and help a team win ball games,” McCarron said on WNSP, via AL.com. “I think I would have had some success playing for Hue. I would have loved the opportunity to go up there and get them a win, more than one win. As a competitor, that’s all you can ask for.”

The situation in Cleveland would’ve been a familiar one for McCarron, given that he was with the Bengals while Hue Jackson was the offensive coordinator. It would have significantly eased the transition process for McCarron, and he more than likely would’ve started due to the team’s struggles up to that point, especially under center,

In his first three years in the league, McCarron has rarely seen the field behind Pro Bowl quarterback Andy Dalton. He did make three brief appearances this past regular season, completing 7-of-14 passes for 66 yards.

Prior to that, McCarron last played in 2015, making four starts in seven regular season appearances, compiling 854 passing yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions. He also started in the Bengals’ 18-16 playoff loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, completing 23-of-41 passes for 212 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.

McCarron is a free agent this offseason and will likely be a highly-pursued commodity on the open market, possibly even from the Browns.