Josh McCown signs with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Chicago Bears quarterback Josh McCown (12) looks to pass during the third quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bears backup quarterback Josh McCown had interest from just about every team looking for a stopgap quarterback, as he was the option on the free agent market. Matt Schaub is probably the top option overall, but he isn’t officially a free agent yet and McCown was also much better in 2013. He had a breakout year under Marc Trestman last season, shining in eight appearances in relief of franchise quarterback Jay Cutler. McCown either want to stay with the Chicago Bears or join a team where he felt he had the best shot of vying for a starting job, and the Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers were always viewed as the two favorites to sign him despite interest from the New York Jets and Oakland Raiders.
ESPN Chicago’s Jeff Dickerson reports that McCown has signed a two-year deal with the Bucs to join forces with second-year N.C. State product Mike Glennon and former Bears head coach Lovie Smith. Dickerson was informed of the move by McCown’s agent Mike McCartney, and I’m sure McCown is getting a significant enough payday from the Buccaneers.
McCown is a perfect fit for the Bucs, because they like Glennon but clearly aren’t sold on him. He has a chance to start this upcoming season if Glennon struggles, and the veteran QB is an excellent insurance policy for the Bucs, who could even draft a quarterback this year (I wonder if Tampa native Aaron Murray is a possible mid-round signing).