How can you justify NOT starting AJ McCarron the rest of the season?

[George Cantstandya]

I don't see what starting AJ the rest of the season would solve, especially behind this horrible o-line. He is most likely going to another team next year so it would more or less just be an audition for his potential suitors. In 2018 he will either be a restricted free agent or an unrestricted free agent depending on what happens with his case. If he is a restricted free agent the Bengals will put a tender on him meaning that if he gets an offer from another team the Bengals have the option to match it or receive a draft pick based on the tender. If he is a unrestricted free agent he is free to go wherever and the Bengals best case get a comp pick. I think AJ is ready to move on to a team where he can have a legit shot at be a starter. There are several teams I think will be looking at him.

So what happens if AJ somehow manages to play amazing the rest of the season behind one of the worst o-lines in the NFL? Then the Bengals have an issue. Andy is still on the roster. So do they throw a very expensive franchise tag on AJ to keep him and then trade Andy? If not and AJ remains a restricted free agent do they put a 1st round tender on him and hope no one bites? If not AJ is most likely off to another team that wants to give him a shot at a starting job. I don't see a case where starting AJ the rest of the season is of benefit to anyone. You bench a team leader for a guy that is more than likely going to be on another team next year to play behind the still horrible o-line. I don't see this as a solution.

As others have stated, AJs value still looks pretty high at this point. He is probably going to be worth a second round tender if he remains a restricted free agent. So what happens if he plays like crud? His value drops significantly. So is it worth the chance of his value dropping behind a terrible o-line and a team with few offensive weapons?