Josh McCown filled in admirably for the Chicago Bears last season when Jay Cutler missed time with various injuries. The 34-year-old veteran compiled an impressive passer rating of 109.0 in eight games. He threw 13 touchdowns and just one interception. Because of his performance, McCown will receive plenty of offers when he becomes a free agent in March.
One team that is said to have interest in McCown is the New York Jets, who will head into the 2014 season with an uncertain quarterback situation per usual. Manish Mehta of the NY Daily News reported on Saturday that the Jets may look to sign McCown as insurance in the event that Geno Smith struggles.
Mark Sanchez is still under contract with New York, though it would be a surprise if he is not released next month. Jets backup quarterback Matt Sims has attempted just 31 passes in his NFL career, so it would make sense for Rex Ryan to bring in a veteran backup.
Smith was wildly inconsistent as the Jets’ starter in 2013, which is no surprise considering he was a rookie. However, Ryan is not going to give him another season to prove himself if he can’t win games early on. That could make the situation one that intrigues McCown.
McCown will likely try to sign with a team that will give him a chance to compete for a starting job. History tells us the Jets could be that team, especially if Smith doesn’t take serious strides in training camp.
