New York Jets NFL Trade Rumors: Jets Express Interest in Josh McCown
With only two quarterbacks under contract on their roster, the New York Jets really need to add another signal caller. Practically all the available quarterbacks on the market are currently linked with the team, but they are reportedly eyeing a journeyman who has played for a number of teams over his career.
NFL.com's Ian Rapoport has reported that the Jets have reached out to Josh McCown's camp and they have expressed interest in the veteran quarterback. Citing a league source, NJ Advance Media's Connor Hughes also confirmed that the team has indeed contacted McCown. However, he said it's currently unclear if they are really interested in signing him, or if they were just doing their due diligence.
Hughes also revealed that no visit is planned right now, and the Jets are still communicating with the other available quarterbacks on the free agent market.
The Jets are reportedly interested in former Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler as well, but many observers have noted that McCown may be the better and safer option at quarterback.
"McCown was in Chicago when new Jets quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates was on the Bears' coaching staff. Plus, unlike Jay Cutler — another Jets free-agent target — McCown is known for being a good role model and mentor for young quarterbacks. The Jets have Bryce Petty, a fourth-round pick of Maccagnan's in 2015, and Christian Hackenberg, who was selected in the second round last year. It's clear the Jets are in the market for a bridge quarterback until Hackenberg or some other young signal-caller takes the reins of the franchise," Newsday's Kimberley A. Martin said in her report.
McCown may not be as good as Cutler, but he does have the experience. He has played for seven teams during his 14-year career and he has always been reliable.
Whoever the Jets sign will probably start for them during the 2017 season because Christian Hackenberg and Bryce Petty are not ready yet. Right now, the search for the starting quarterback continues.