Josh McCown has yet to make a decision about playing in what would be his 17th NFL season, but the 39-year-old quarterback could provide important continued mentorship to Sam Darnold in the young gunslinger’s second season in the league.
Darnold was the unquestioned starter in 2018, but McCown stepped in when Darnold suffered a foot injury midway through the season. The veteran looked every bit as washed up as his age suggested. Following a career year as the Jets starter the year before, McCown went 0-3 as a starter this past season and threw for 539 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions in four appearances.
At this stage in his career, McCown is nothing more than a player-coach for Darnold, who in a time of crisis could step into a starter’s role. The Jets paid McCown $10 million in 2018 before they signed Teddy Bridgewater and drafted Darnold, but with Darnold fully entrenched as the starter New York should want a discount if McCown were to return. That’s if Adam Gase even wants McCown around.
Pros of bringing him back
Darnold raved about McCown’s mentorship throughout the 2018 season, even crediting McCown with his strong finish to the season. With an almost entirely new staff in place on offense, McCown’s presence would provide at least a portion of consistency and comfortability for Darnold as he adapts to working with Gase.
McCown is an experienced quarterback who won’t ever be tasked with leading the Jets unless Darnold succumbs to injury again. Because of his age, he’ll almost certainly come cheaper than any other veteran free agent on the market, and everyone will know McCown will be no threat to Darnold’s job as the starter.
Cons of bringing him back
After a fantastic 2017 season as the Jets’ starter, McCown looked his age in his four appearances in 2018. He wasn’t nearly as effective in leading the offense as Darnold and the team suffered mighty with McCown under center. That trend would only continue in 2019 if McCown is retained, considering he’ll he 40 by the time the season starts and because he’s never worked with Gase.
The Jets could surely find a better back-up quarterback in free agency, one that wouldn’t make the offense any worse than it already might be. McCown’s price could also be a little higher than the Jets want to pay for a glorified coach. There’s no way McCown will ask for another seven-digit contract, but he could ask for more than other free agent back-ups on the market given his clear role on the team. Keep in mind, he can always retire if he doesn’t like the offer.
The Verdict
Bringing McCown back makes sense only if he never sees the field. He would be a true player-coach and would almost certainly have to be third on the quarterback depth chart behind a more competent passer who could, if needed, play in Darnold’s place.
On a cheap deal with a clearly defined role, McCown would only help Darnold’s development. Anything more, and the Jets would be better off letting McCown go, or at least be brought in as a quarterback consultant or coaching assistant.
