Cleveland Browns interested in QB Josh McCown?

By Cory Buck | Feb 18, 2015

Dec 28, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh McCown (12) drops back during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

The Cleveland Browns are reportedly interested in veteran free agent quarterback Josh McCown and could host him soon for a visit.

It’s becoming clearer that the Cleveland Browns aren’t happy with their quarterback situation. Neither veteran Brian Hoyer nor highly scrutinized rookie Johnny Manziel did enough in 2014 to guarantee themselves a job, which puts their time in Cleveland at odds with the team’s own wishes. With Hoyer approaching free agency in March, the Browns are reportedly interesting in bolstering the position with or without him re-signing in Cleveland.

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That takes the team to Josh McCown, who was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which may be the biggest sign that the team plans to draft a quarterback with the first overall selection in the NFL Draft in May. McCown is free to negotiate with any team and he’s already visited Buffalo to speak with Bills management. Now it appears the Browns are interested in at least talking to McCown as well.

Mary Kay Cabot at the Cleveland Plain Dealer writes, “The Browns have expressed interest in veteran quarterback Josh McCown and might bring him in for a visit, a league source told Northeast Ohio Media Group.”

At 35 years old, McCown sits as either a pretty solid backup or a low-end starting option. The Browns could use a little help across the board after watching the play of Hoyer deteriorate over the course of the 2014 season and having Manziel’s never take off in his limited action.

It’s been the worst kept secret in the NFL that ownership and management are not pleased with their quarterback situation. Now, much like Buffalo, Cleveland must leave no stone unturned in its search for more help at the position lest they be stuck with an unproven second-year option in Manziel.

McCown put up paltry numbers with the Buccaneers in his one year with the team, but most of the interest in him stems from his impressive relief starts for the Chicago Bears in the 2013 season. In eight games played, McCown posted 1,829 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and just one interception with a 60% completion percentage. That was enough to earn him a two-year deal with Tampa Bay, which the team backed out on after one season.

While McCown might not represent the best choice in free agency, he is the first choice because he’s technically the only one available for now. While that stands, expect the Browns and any other quarterback-starved club to give his agent a call.

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