Report: NFL rejects McCarron trade after Browns miss deadline

The NFL rejected a trade that would have sent quarterback AJ McCarron from the Cincinnati Bengals to the Cleveland Browns because the Browns notified the league after the 4 p.m. ET deadline, reports ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The Browns argued that the deal should be allowed, but the NFL ruled they were too late.

Schefter initially reported that the Bengals attempted to deal McCarron to the Browns, but failed to do so before Tuesday's deadline, as only Cincinnati officially approved it with the league office.

The move would have reunited McCarron with head coach Hue Jackson, who was Cincinnati's offensive coordinator in 2014 and 2015. McCarron started four games for the Bengals under Jackson in 2015, going 2-2 in that span.

The Browns missed out on yet another quarterback after passing on Carson Wentz and Deshaun Watson in the last two drafts - decisions that have come under heavy scrutiny. They also failed to acquire Jimmy Garoppolo, who was dealt to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday from the New England Patriots, after reportedly desiring the fourth-year pro last spring.