NFL Free Agency Rumors: Bills, Browns finalists to sign Josh McCown

By Cory Buck | Feb 27, 2015

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

The Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns are reportedly the teams pushing the hardest to sign free agent quarterback Josh McCown.

Reports from both respective markets indicate that the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns are each pushing to sign free agent quarterback Josh McCown, likely before the new league year begins on March 10. With a thin, dismal free agent market awaiting those in need of quarterbacks, both teams are hoping to pounce early and get one of the picks of the litter.

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Vic Carucci at The Buffalo News first reported that the Bills were hotly pursuing the 35-year-old McCown, who spent the past season as the starter for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs released McCown early because they have third-round pick Mike Glennon and the first overall pick in the upcoming draft in tow.

Mary Kay Cabot at The Cleveland Plain Dealer confirmed as much for the Browns, who could see Brian Hoyer walk to free agency, leaving them with Johnny Manziel and little more.

The Bills and Browns are mostly in the same boat here. Both teams have dire situations at quarterback and both will likely need to add two quarterbacks to their roster by the end of the draft in May. It makes sense that both would pursue the guy who offers some of the most experience to be found in the thin free agent market.

Of course, these two teams aren’t alone in their pursuit of McCown. The New York Jets and Chicago Bears have been tied to McCown, but those rumors were largely founded through McCown’s initial series of visits that took place after he was initially released. Those trips included visits to Cleveland and Buffalo, as well as other destinations.

McCown tallied 2,206 passing yards with 11 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He also had nine fumbles, which has been a concern throughout his career. In 69 career games played, McCown has 43 fumbles to go with 59 interceptions.

In general, turnovers are a major concern with McCown but for Buffalo and Cleveland, beggars can’t be choosers. He may not be the best quarterback out there, but at least someone in either front office believes he’s the best they can do in the short term.

McCown noted that starting isn’t a necessity at this point in his career.

“I don’t think being a starter is a prerequisite at all,” McCown said per the Plain Dealer. “I know that those opportunities are less and less as I get older.”

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