Cleveland Browns NFL Trade News 2015: Browns Sign QB Josh McCown
The Cleveland Browns have had a perpetual problem at the most important position on their roster. In last year's draft they moved up to select Johnny Manziel and that move has led to a certain amount of dram likely poisoning the team's relationship with Brian Hoyer. Given their situation added to a sparse veteran QB free agent market the team made the only move they could and that was to sign Josh McCown.
The deal is for three years. It has a base value of 14 million with incentives that could grow that number to 20 million. Of that money 6.25 million is guaranteed and he will make 5.25 in year one of the deal. Given that Hoyer will likely be playing elsewhere in 2015, and given the off the field problems of Manziel it makes McCown the starter.
Even though this sis a fairly large deal it is likely a stop gap measure. The Browns, since returning to the league, have never found a franchise QB and have repeatedly failed to stand behind any of their QB's. McCown helps the team on the field and in the clubhouse. He is a veteran presence that can help calm a fairly drama filled organization.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
The next best move for the Browns would be to draft another young QB in this year's NFL draft and have him push and compete with Manziel as the QB of the future. Having McCown gives Manziel time to sort out his life, while helping the team take a step towards improvement. Adding another young QB creates competition for QB of the future, and whomever wins that contest will have to be fully supported by the organization.
Many NFL pundits seem to not understand this move, and maybe having Hoyer return would have been a better move but let's also not forget this team changed Offensive coordinators this off season and maybe McCown is a better fit now. He also bring short term stability to the position. Whatever the Browns do next will wind up being how the McCown signing is judged.
