NFL Free Agency Rumors: Josh McCown To The Jets?
By Ryan Rosko
Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown is of interest to other quarterback needy teams in the NFL free agency market.
As we wait to see what is the next Cleveland Browns‘ move, whether that is in a trade or via a NFL free agency signee, Josh McCown could continue in the same type of role he has been in.
While with Cleveland, McCown was an occasional starter and mentor to young quarterbacks. Given the former Browns’ signal-caller’s experience, being a mentor at this point of his career is his best situation. However, where will he continue his career and who will be influencing?
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, McCown is visiting with the New York Jets and that he also has interest from the Dallas Cowboys.
The Dallas interest has been known, but have been on the back burner as the uncertain future with backup Tony Romo continues to fuel speculation.
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Should McCown find his way to Dallas assuming they have moved on from Romo, McCown gets to go from the worst team in the NFL to a playoff contender, along with a possible franchise quarterback in Dak Prescott.
The Jets’ interest in McCown is a bit surprising and if they sign him he will once again be their latest temporary quarterback. Free agent quarterback Geno Smith is not going to re-sign, so a veteran is needed. McCown can be a fit with New York as long as they don’t plan on him starting.
The Jets currently has two unknowns at quarterback in Christian Hackenberg and Bryce Petty. Like Cleveland, the Jets have been playing musical chairs with the position.
That said, perhaps one of their young quarterbacks could do even better with McCown in the quarterback room on a daily basis. Yes, Johnny Manziel was a bust in Cleveland, no question.
Cody Kessler on the other hand did show some promise before and after suffering multiple injuries throughout the season.
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That said, McCown’s knowledge of the game and ability to express his experience to younger players cannot be overlooked. No, McCown is not and was never a star in the NFL. However, the experience he has acquired had some impact in Cleveland.
McCown can get some credit given his role in NE Ohio. Unfortunately, the Browns are still looking for their franchise quarterback. As bad as Manziel was, he could have easily been worse had it not been for McCown’s bridge role.
The same can be said for Kessler on the other end of the spectrum. Kessler could do some things well, but McCown helped the former USC product in his ability to adapt to the NFL’s level of play likely faster than some anticipated.
So, whether McCown ends in Dallas, New York, or somewhere else from the NFL free agency, he has plenty still to teach in his mentor role. Regardless of who signs him, that team will benefit from signing McCown as a player, but more importantly more like a quarterbacks coach.