We can now add another name to the list of free agent quarterbacks. Mike Garafolo of NFL.com reports (via Twitter) that the Browns have released veteran signal-caller Josh McCown. Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com reports (via Twitter) that the team will also be releasing veteran cornerback Tramon Williams.
McCown, 37, will now be looking to join the eighth team of career, as Garafolo notes that the quarterback is hoping to continue playing next season.
“We appreciate the Browns making this move now so Josh has a chance to catch on with another team,’‘ agent Mike McCartney told Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. “Josh plans to continue his playing career.”
The 14-year veteran was solid this past season in his five games (three starts), completing 54.5-percent of his passes for 1,100 yards, six touchdowns, and six interceptions. McCown was even better in 2015, throwing for 12 touchdowns and only four picks. The move isn’t particularly surprising, as the organization has been connected to a number of quarterbacks via the draft or trade. Releasing the veteran will also erase his nearly $5MM cap hit, leaving the organization with a bit more than $600K in dead cap.
McCown would be a solid choice for teams seeking a veteran backup quarterback. ESPN.com’s Mike Rodak suggests (via Twitter) that the Bills could be a destination, especially if they’re able to get rid of Tyrod Taylor. Cameron Wolfe of The Denver Post even says (via Twitter) the Broncos could be an option if the team opts to sign a “mentor.”
Following eight productive seasons with the Packers, Williams signed a three-year, $21MM contract with the Browns prior to the 2015 season. After starting 15 games during his first year in Cleveland, the 33-year-old only played in 12 games (seven starts) this past season. The veteran finished the campaign with 36 tackles, five passes defended, and one interception – his lowest totals since the 2007 season. Releasing the veteran will save the organization nearly $7MM.
In total, Grossi estimates that the two moves will save the Browns nearly $11.3MM in cap space (Twitter link). Former agent Joel Corry tweets that the Browns will now have around $105MM in cap space this offseason.
It’s about time! And that goes for the both of them!
Now use some of those savings to re-sign Pryor.
Pryor needs time to develop into an actual WR before you pay him lol. Get a QB in place then go looking for WRs. Pryor isn’t worth the money a WR3 gets.
Considering his upside is that of a WR2, Pryor would be a bargain at WR3 money.
Well, they better pay him something before he leaves. Oh, as far as time to develop, a thousand yard season in his first real season as a WR shows me he’s developing very quickly. With size and speed like his, and the added ability to line up behind center, his type aren’t readily available.
Let him leave or resign him Super cheap. He doesn’t deserve starting WR money yet.
What benefit does it give them to let their best WR walk?
Yo Einstein. You either pay him or let him walk. You mention QB in reference to Prior like it’s an either / or decision. Are you a football fan that understands the CBA, salary guidelines or by chance, football in general?
Great job by the Harvard three so far, don’t deserve the hate they’ve been getting from morons everywhere
Lololol
Please take your brother with you off the saints
I like Josh McCown. He was a reasonably priced back up. Tramon Williams was a terrible signing, an act of desperation from the Ray Farmer led FO… Why is RG3 on still on the roster? How can you release McCown and not RG3? Neither is the franchise QB, McCown is better and cheaper than RG3. Hue must have a soft spot for RG3, because he showed nothing in 2016.
Not a Browns fan by any means, but the browns are in prime territory to begin building for the future and could change their culture at the same time. While to many it wouldn’t make sense and would require patience, it actually makes a great deal of sense. First, you trade down in the first round to secure 2-3 more draft picks ( maybe middle of the draft), then you trade down possibly into the late first round, securing 2 more picks later in the draft. Start building up your offensive line with your picks you will have at the end of round 1 and the beginning of round 2. Keep in mind, that could be 3 offensive linemen taken in just a few picks for the future, while still saving money for free agency. Yes, the growing pains will be tough, but you are building the future. Let us not forget that you could also have multiple second round picks to load up defensively with for years to come. Change a teams mindset changes a culture. Let your offensive line have a chance to mold together for a year or two before spending a high draft pick on a quarterback on a team that has so many needs to fill. Strength in numbers….you can never go wrong with numerous draft picks….just ask the Patriots.