Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron has been a part of swirling rumors that he could be traded. With several quarterback-hungry teams this offseason, it was a rumor that made sense. But as free agency started and the first wave wrapped up, it became more obvious that McCarron would likely be staying in Cincinnati for a little while longer. It’s something he’s embraced.

“When you get to this level, it’s one thing you can’t control and there’s no reason to be pissed off about it or worry about it – it’s out of your control,” McCarron said on Monday per Cincinnati Enquirer’s Jim Owczarski. “It’s not like it’s my contract year and I’m trying to negotiate or anything like that. I’m under contract here and like I’ve said in interviews before, if nothing did happen I’d be here when I’m supposed to be here and I’ve come to do my job to the best of my ability.”

There have been some reports that the Cleveland Browns are deeply interested in McCarron. While a potential trade always hinges on what is being offered, it being a divisional opponent makes a deal unlikely.

McCarron is considered a restricted free agent after the 2017 season, though he’s filed a motion with the league to have his rookie year considered an accrued season towards free agency. If McCarron wins his motion, he’ll be an unrestricted free agent, free to sign where he wishes.

“It’s just something they’re going to fight on their side and I’m going to fight on my side to prove why I shouldn’t have to have another year,” he said per Owczarski. “It is what it is. It’s what the lawyers and all that will fix out. We’ll see what happens.”

Still, McCarron isn’t letting a delay in his potential starting future bring him down. “I’m at peace with it. It is what it is,” he said per Owczarski.