2016 Cleveland Browns roster analysis: Quarterbacks

Josh McCown

Age: 37 

Experience: 14 years 

Contract Status: Free Agent in 2018 

There is simply not enough positive things to say about the veteran Josh McCown. After the team signed Griffin in the offseason, McCown acted like a true professional and went about his business preparing himself and his teammates for the season.

In 2015, McCown received a large portion of the first-team reps throughout training camp. This past season, McCown hardly received any reps with the first-team and primarily worked with the second unit. The vet showed his passion and dedication to the game by always being a great teammate, coaching younger players on the offensive side of the ball.

After Griffin’s injury in the season opener, McCown was prepared to take over. In a major change of plans from what the offensive prepared for in the offseason, McCown started in Week 2 in the home opener versus Baltimore. McCown displayed his leadership and veteran savvy by throwing two quick first-quarter touchdowns and getting the Browns out to a 20-0 lead. The wheels fell off for the team in the second half, losing 25-20. McCown suffered a broken collarbone in the second half and would not see action again until Week 8. Following the game McCown delivered an emotional press conference saying:

"“It think it is just not wanting to not be out there with your guys. I have a dad and an older brother who get up and go to work and sometimes they don’t feel great and they go. They go and they grind. I have two little boys that are playing football now. They get hit and they get banged up, and I am trying to teach them what toughness means. For me, it is those things and just knowing the window for me right now and understanding that I don’t want to miss snaps. I don’t want to be out there without my guys. Unless it is going to fall off, let’s try to make it work and make it go. That is my mentality."

The powerful press conference showed a lot about his character on and off the field. McCown realizes his time left in the NFL is limited and he wanted to be out on the field for his teammates.

CMP  ATT  CMP %  YDS  TD  INT 

 90   165    54.4   1100    6     6 

2017 Outlook: 

McCown is one of the best teammates and mentors to younger players you could ask for. In his two seasons with the Browns he has served as a great leader as well as doing anything the team asked, whether that was starting or holding the clipboard. At age 37, and will be 38 before next season, it is unknown if McCown will be back for another season.

Hue Jackson has already stated McCown would always have a spot on his coaching staff for when he decides to hang up his cleats. The offer by Jackson furthermore shows the coaching and leadership qualities he possesses. However, if McCown still wants to play, it might be best for the Browns to move on from the veteran as the quarterback room will be crowded with Kessler, Griffin and likely a new quarterback addition in place.