New York Jets: Potential Free Agent Josh McCown

Dec 21, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback

Josh McCown

(12) runs out of the pocket against the Green Bay Packers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The off-season is in full swing, Jets fans. Earlier today, the workouts at the NFL Combine began. Mike Maccagnan, Todd Bowles and company are in Indianapolis watching college football’s finest show their stuff, trying to earn a spot in the NFL draft.

We know by now that the quarterback position is going to be a major focus of this weekend, and the off-season as a whole. The Jets aren’t completely sold on Geno Smith at this point, and are looking for competition. We learned yesterday that Maccagnan and the Jets are going to meet with both Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston. They are also going to look at veterans, and that has begun as well. The Jets have already planned to meet with today’s subject at the Combine. So we are going to look at this quarterback today.

That guy is Josh McCown.

He was released by Tampa Bay, and the Jets have interest, so let’s take a look.

Next: The Stats

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

Let’s take a look at McCown’s career stats:

Passing

Josh McCown became an in-demand guy thanks to 2013. With Chicago, he threw for 13 touchdowns versus only one interception. He proved to be an efficient quarterback, starting in five games and playing in eight games in place of Jay Cutler. The Jets actually had interest last off-season, before McCown landed with Lovie Smith in Tampa Bay.

McCown was less than stellar last season, leading the Bucs to a 1-10 record in 11 starts, and throwing for 11 touchdowns versus 14 interceptions. He didn’t work out the way Tampa expected at all, leading to his release.

But which was the norm? 2013 or 2014? Look through his career and that will tell you all. Only one other time did Josh McCown throw for more touchdowns than interceptions. Until he reached Chicago, his completion percentage was never over 60 and change.

McCown isn’t bad, but look at the numbers. Is he really legit competition? Or is he just another guy that would come in for show, and ultimately back up Geno Smith?

Next: The Financials

Dec 21, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh McCown (12) reacts against the Green Bay Packers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Josh McCown cashed in fairly well from his 2013 campaign, signing a two-year contract with the Bucs totalling $10 million, $4,750,000 guaranteed. After his performance in 2014, I don’t foresee a huge raise in McCown’s future.