There was a time when it was thought Josh McCown would become the new starting quarterback for the Chicago Bears. After a successful 2013 season filling in for the injured Jay Cutler, the backup found his stock at an all-time high. Now a free agent and denying retirement rumors, McCown is still open for a return to the Chicago Bears as a backup, but could he still be a starter somewhere else?
McCown went on ESPN 1000's "Waddle and Silvy" to speak on his free agent status and where he sees his future in the league after 11 years of playing. Cutler is now signed to the Bears for another seven years and McCown would certainly be open to returning as his backup if there is mutual interest from the team.
"I think from both sides, when I left and was exiting and doing all those things, I think it was mutual that both [parties] want to keep working together," McCown said. "I think we understand what we are coming from there. It's just the things that I have to weigh and think about. If an opportunity does come along to start, where is that team? What kind of team is that? It's hard to leave a team, especially as a quarterback, in an offensive structure that we have and are building with the pieces that we have. So it's not so cut and dry that this team will give you an opportunity to be a starter so let's go there. I think it's weighing what all is there and what that opportunity entails. It's going to have to look really good for me to go someplace else because my heart is in Chicago and that is where I want to be."
General manager Phil Emery is certainly in favor of this move considering how much success McCown had last season. He finished with 1,829 passing yards and 13 touchdowns with a 109.0 passer rating. However, it is those stats that are getting him attention as a potential starting quarterback. With his veteran knowledge and talent, McCown could be a crucial player in helping a rookie develop.
The Minnesota Vikings could easily make a run at McCown at the right price. The team looks ready to move on from Christian Ponder and possibly Matt Cassel. Multiple NFL sources believe the team will draft a rookie and McCown could be the perfect player to help develop a young quarterback while being capable of stepping in and getting wins.
The Oakland Raiders could also be another option. The team remains in quarterback flux after both Matt McGloin and Terrelle Pryor tried their hand at the starting job. At most, McCown could create some heavy competition to motivate players to improve.
For now, it appears McCown has his sights set on returning to Chicago. The quarterback told the radio program that his heart remains with the Bears and the players in the locker room.
