NFL Trade Rumors 2016: Is the Josh McCown Sweepstakes Over? Costly Trades Might Change Cleveland's Mind
The veteran may still be up for grabs; for a hefty price.
Josh McCown is in the news lately, days before the NFL season kicks off Thursday. The 37-year-old quarterback may be nearing the twilight of his career, but he still piqued the interest of teams like the Minnesota Vikings and the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cowboys have a strong presence in rising star quarterback Dak Prescott, but they will need someone to back him up in one of the most important positions in professional football. However, teams vying for the aging McCown may have to bring out all their aces in a bid to convince a stubborn Cleveland Browns management.
Pricey pick
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The Vikings were reportedly interested in making a deal with McCown, following the devastating ACL tear to their prized QB Teddy Bridgewater. Bridgewater brings a leadership presence to the team along with consistent numbers, and while McCown's play had not been at par with him, the Browns entrusted the latter with guiding the team to success.
However, McCown might have been valued more than what he was worth for. Rumor has it that Cleveland would only be open to trade him if the deal included a high draft pick, a fourth-rounder at the least.
McCown is not a bad quarterback and not a bad addition for any team looking to compete. He came off of a good season with the Browns, reaching 2109 yards while completing 63.7 percent of his passes. He also garnered 12 touchdowns and only 4 interceptions over the course of eight games.
The bad news (and good news for the rest of the league) is the Browns already have Robert Griffin III as their starting QB. McCown, slowly declining at his age, would only take the role of an insurance policy next season.
Romo out, McCown in?
Cleveland recently asserted that they would not deal McCown, but Dallas could have been a logical option for him. Tony Romo is out of the picture while recovering from an injury during the preseason.
With Romo out, Prescott would need another able QB to back him up. McCown would have a great opportunity to hone the future star of the NFL, who had risen to the starter spot after a brilliant preseason performance. Dallas, however, already signed Mark Sanchez (formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles).
For the Browns, there is still time to make a surprise last-minute move to send McCown back to his hometown state of Texas. That is, if they are willing to take the risk.
