Cleveland Browns: Josh McCown the backup
Nov 1, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) and quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) warm up before the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Arizona Cardinals at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Josh McCown must have been surprised when he was offered $14 million over three years by the Cleveland Browns this past offseason.
After a dismal 2014 season, which allowed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to draft Jameis Winston, McCown was signed by the Browns at the age of 35. The now 36 year-old quarterback is now once again relegated to the familiar role of backup quarterback.
There is no denying his toughness or drive to win, but McCown was not worthy of the money given to him. I enjoyed watching him play this season, but winning is what matters and he could not get it done. Not to say that the 2-8 record is his fault, but there is no denying that the quarterback is the face of the team in the NFL.
With the news that Johnny Manziel will be starting the remainder of this season, McCown’s future as a starter for the Browns is in serious doubt. Yet, he will be on the roster and will continue to be paid. So it goes with a front office that seems to prefer signing mediocre talent to taking a risk on a player such as Brandon Marshall.
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So Manziel is starting, and McCown will not see the field unless Manziel gets injured or does so terrible that there is no other move but to bench him immediately and declare him the worst quarterback to ever grace an NFL field.
But for Browns fans, McCown as the backup will be a good thing.
There is no denying that Manziel needs a mentor. Brian Hoyer could have helped, but he was fighting for the same job and also a new contract. McCown has his contract, and has been around long enough to be comfortable in a backup role. And with a coaching staff that seems to be ever-revolving, having McCown be the constant for a few years should do wonders for Manziel.
The only problem is that these next six games may be it for Manziel as the starting quarterback in Cleveland, which may bring joy to those out there who cannot stand the 22 year-old.
I stand firmly in the camp that says he should be the starter next season, which means these six games are strictly for development. He should be allowed to delve into more of the playbook and make mistakes, which he can learn from before next season. All of this being done with McCown as his mentor.