Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers favorites for Josh McCown?
Chicago Bears quarterback Josh McCown (12) gets set during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Bears 54-11. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bears backup quarterback Josh McCown had a terrific 2013 season, as he was one of the league’s most efficient passers in his eight games during franchise quarterback Jay Cutler’s absence. McCown is one of the top impending free agent quarterbacks available, and he is viewed as a solid stopgap option on a team with an uncertain starting quarterback situation. One of the game’s best backups, McCown will likely land in a situation where he would have a legit shot at fighting for a starting gig.
The San Francisco Chronicle’s Vic Tafur reports that while the Oakland Raiders are interested in Josh McCown, “many believe” that the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the two teams with the best chance at keeping him. Tafur also reports that the Raiders are “waiting to see” what happens to Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub, who is the crowning jewel of the stopgap QB class and is expected to be released by the Texans. By the looks of it, the New York Jets and Raiders should be regarded as the two most likely landing spots for Schaub.
As for McCown, he would make a lot of sense as the Buccaneers next backup quarterback, because Mike Glennon isn’t a sure thing at the position despite an OK enough rookie campaign. McCown would be a perfect stopgap/backup option for the Bucs, and it would obviously make sense for the Bears to keep him around.