Josh McCown - Pro Football Rumors

Browns Release QB Josh McCown, CB Tramon Williams

February 7th, 2017 at 4:56pm CST by Ben Levine

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.

Browns Notes: Pryor, RG3, McCown, Erving

December 29th, 2016 at 5:14pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Contract-year wide receiver Terrelle Pryor made it clear multiple times earlier this season that he wants to remain with the Browns going forward. However, with free agency looming, Pryor acknowledged Thursday that he could on the cusp of playing his final game with the team. “I love to play for [Hue Jackson] and I enjoy playing for him this year and I’d love to play for him longer,” Pryor told Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com. “But at the end of the day, it’s got to come down to what my agents think is right for me.” Those agents, Drew and Jason Rosenhaus, have tabled extension talks with the Browns until after the season and likely want their client to test the market off a breakout campaign, per Cabot. The 27-year-old Pryor, a former quarterback, leads the Browns in targets (129), receptions (70), yards (913) and touchdowns (four).

More from Cleveland, which is no longer in danger of enduring a winless season as Week 17 nears:

Quarterback Robert Griffin III cleared concussion protocol after suffering a head injury last week and is on track to start Sunday in Pittsburgh, writes Cabot. Health has been a problem throughout the season for Griffin, who has not revived his career since signing a two-year deal with Cleveland last winter and could end up on the chopping block this offseason. In four appearances this year, Griffin has completed a meager 54.2 of his 107 passes and hasn’t thrown a touchdown. Moving on from the former Redskin would free up $7.5MM in spending space for the Browns, who would incur $1.75MM in dead cap.
Fellow signal-caller Josh McCown hinted at retirement last week, but the 37-year-old declared Thursday that he aims to return in 2017. “My plan is to play,” he said (via Pat McManamon of ESPN.com). “I have another year left on my deal. So right now, that’s the plan.” It’s unclear whether McCown will be open to continuing his career if the Browns release him, which looks like a distinct possibility. By cutting McCown, Cleveland would save $4.375MM on its cap against roughly $667K in dead money next year. If McCown’s playing career does conclude, he could have a place on Jackson’s staff next year. “I told him already if he ever wanted to coach, he could coach for me anytime he wants,” said Jackson.
Jackson revealed nearly two months ago that the Browns would try second-year man Cameron Erving at tackle if his play didn’t turn around at center. Erving was then Pro Football Focus’ worst-rated center, which hasn’t changed. As a result, the Browns will try the 2015 first-rounder at right tackle Sunday, per Nate Ulrich of Ohio.com. Erving hasn’t fared well along the interior in the NFL, though he was an accomplished left tackle at Florida State and is eager to serve as a bookend again. “It’s definitely a little exciting, just to be able to potentially have that opportunity to go out and play tackle again,” Erving said.

Browns’ Josh McCown Considering Retirement

December 22nd, 2016 at 12:47pm CST by Zachary Links

Browns quarterback Josh McCown admits that he is pondering retirement, as ESPN.com’s Tony Grossi writes.

“It’s a matter of getting away with my family and talking to them,” the 37-year-old said. “Every year since my [oldest] daughter’s been in high school, we’ve always discussed it. It hasn’t been a very long conversation, necessarily, but we’ve always discussed it because [family] is my priority. She’s a senior, will be going to college next year. We’ll do what we always do — think about it, pray about it, and try to make the best decision we can.”

McCown is signed through 2017 and he says his plan is to “honor” the contract, but he admits that he is thinking about spending more time with his family and the Browns might him loose before March 11 when he is due a $750K roster bonus. The rebuilding Browns could drop McCown to clear a spot for a younger quarterback on the depth chart, though it may also behoove them to keep him as a backup. After all, his salary of $3.625MM is pretty reasonable and he does offer experience at a paper thin position.

After suffering two broken collarbones and going through two trying years with the Browns, no one would blame McCown for calling it a career.

Browns Notes: Greco, RG3, McCown

November 27th, 2016 at 5:36pm CST by Ben Levine

Browns right guard John Greco injured his foot during the third quarter of today’s loss to the Giants. The 31-year-old was taken to the locker room and didn’t return to the contest. Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com tweets that Greco was spotted leaving the stadium accompanied by crutches and a right boot.

If Greco is forced to miss time, it’d be another hit to an injury-riddled Browns offensive line. The team is already without guard Joel Bitonio and center Austin Reiter, while Cameron Erving has also missed time with an injury.

Let’s take a look at some other notes out of Cleveland…

The Browns want to see what they have in Robert Griffin III. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport noted on NFL GameDay Morning that the organization wants to see several more starts from the signal-caller (via Conor Orr of NFL.com). Of course, that all depends on whether rookie quarterback Cody Kessler is unable to return from his concussion. Griffin was placed on the injured reserve following the Browns’ season-opener, and the quarterback ended up returning to practice earlier this week.
ESPN.com’s Tony Grossi wonders if quarterback Josh McCown may have made his final start with the Browns today. The 37-year-old is now 1-10 as a starter over the past two seasons, including today’s loss to the Giants. The veteran is owed $3.625MM next season, and he’s due a $750K roster bonus in March.
If the Patriots were willing to part with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, Cabot believes he’d be a great addition to the Browns. Of course, that wouldn’t necessarily prevent the organization from taking a quarterback in the draft. Cabot says the team could still target North Carolina signal-caller Mitch Trubisky regardless of whether they acquire a quarterback via trade or free agency.

Browns To Start Kessler Over McCown

November 5th, 2016 at 8:55am CST by Zachary Links

SATURDAY, 8:55am: While the Browns clearly want to secure that elusive first win, coach Jackson acknowledged that the quarterback decision was partly motivated by the future.

“He has some uncanny ability. He has some moxie, some poise and he has demonstrated that. He has done some good things in games, but you have to do it over a number of opportunities to really know that it is truly in there,” Jackson said (via Patrick Maks of ClevelandBrowns.com).

“That’s why I need to keep playing him to evaluate this and to know what we see is right and for sure. I will not get to know these things if I do not play him. It is best to let us find out. We understand the situation we are in. The beautiful part about it all is our team does not look at it as if our coaches are not giving ourselves the best chance to win. We feel like he will help us, and then we have a very capable guy in Josh, if something was to happen, that can go in there and play as well. I feel good about where we are right now.”

FRIDAY, 12:12pm: Browns coach Hue Jackson announced that Cody Kessler will start at quarterback on Sunday. The rookie will be slotted ahead of Josh McCown, even though McCown is healthy and able to go on Sunday against Dallas.

Clearly, at 0-8, the Browns are playing for the future and not for the current season. When McCown was under center for the Browns, he showed that he can move the offense down the field, even if he’s not exactly a world-beater. Kessler doesn’t air it out the way that the veteran does, but he is obviously in their future plans whereas McCown is not.

McCown, 37, is under contract through the 2017 season and is slated to carry a $5.04MM cap number next year. However, Cleveland can cut him loose before June 1st and save $4.375MM against just $666K in dead money. Today’s move isn’t a signal that McCown is a goner, of course, as they could retain him as veteran insurance for a younger option.

Corey Coleman Set To Return Sunday

November 3rd, 2016 at 5:30pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

A broken hand Browns rookie receiver Corey Coleman suffered in practice Sept. 21 has kept the first-rounder out for most of the season, but he’s likely to return Sunday against Dallas.

“He is definitely full go. He did a great job of having a great practice today,” head coach Hue Jackson said Thursday (via Pat McManamon of ESPN.com).

In a season largely devoid of bright spots for the 0-8 Browns, Coleman looked like a find for the club over the first two weeks of the year. The 15th overall pick, an ex-Baylor star, hauled in a combined seven receptions for 173 yards and two touchdowns in those matchups. Both scores came in Week 2, when he amassed five grabs for 104 yards.

In his first couple NFL games, Coleman caught passes from quarterbacks Robert Griffin III and Josh McCown. He might add a third signal-caller to the list in as many contests Sunday, as fellow rookie Cody Kessler could return from the concussion he suffered in a Week 7 loss to the Bengals. Jackson will announce Friday whether Kessler or McCown will be under center against the 6-1 Cowboys.

If the promising Kessler starts Sunday, the rebuilding Browns’ passing game could certainly be worthy of attention with him throwing to two other potential long-term building blocks in Terrelle Pryor and Coleman. Pryor is scheduled to become a free agent after the season, though, so it’s possible he and Coleman won’t comprise the Browns’ starting wideouts for long.

AFC Notes: Browns, McCown, Dolphins, Texans

October 27th, 2016 at 9:23pm CST by Zachary Links

Browns head coach Hue Jackson said at his press conference today that “all signs are pointing to” quarterback Josh McCown starting on Sunday against the Jets, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Rookie signal-caller Cody Kessler, then, is presumably unlikely to clear the league’s concussion protocol in time for the Week 8 contest. McCown, 37, went 1-7 as a starter for the Browns last season. In his one game under center for Cleveland this year, the veteran completed 20 of his 33 passes and threw two touchdowns with two interceptions.

Let’s take a look at a few more notes from the AFC:

After Arian Foster‘s surprising retirement, Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald suggests the Dolphins should pursue Karlos Williams. The troubled tailback recently hooked on with Pittsburgh’s practice squad and while he has issues, he can be a very effective tailback as evidenced by his 517 yards and seven touchdowns off of 93 carries last year. Miami scheduled a visit with Williams earlier this month but that trip was cancelled once he signed elsewhere.
The Texans worked out guard/tackle Andrew Gardner on Wednesday, as Adam Caplan of ESPN.com tweets. Houston also auditioned guard Josh Walker, who ended up signing on with the club’s practice squad. The Texans are looking to add a bit of offensive line depth after losing starting right tackle Derek Newton for the remainder of the season, and they’ve already signed tackle Jeff Adams to the active roster this week. Gardner, 30, spent 2011-13 with Houston, and played for Philadelphia during the past two seasons.
Defensive back Justin Currie will work out for the Browns on Friday, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link). Currie, 23, was an undrafted free agent in 2015, and spent last summer as part of the Giants’ offseason roster.

Josh McCown On Track To Start In Week 8

October 26th, 2016 at 4:46pm CST by Sam Robinson

Having observed a spate of quarterback injuries unlike much the NFL’s seen in recent memory, the Browns look to have one of their initial top-two options back in the fold come Sunday.

Josh McCown has been cleared medically to play after being sidelined for five weeks with a broken collarbone, Pat McManaman of ESPN.com reports. He would be in line to start against the Jets for a team that’s endured a brutal string of injuries to its contingent of quarterbacks. Hue Jackson, though, said Wednesday he won’t name a starter until McCown makes it through a whole week of practice.

Having six players take snaps in just seven games, the Browns turned to practice squad promotion Kevin Hogan last week after an injury forced Cody Kessler out. The third-round rookie remains in concussion protocol, and the Browns have just Hogan and recent waiver claim Joe Callahan as healthy options if McCown experiences a setback.

The team resisted trade overtures for the 37-year-old McCown this offseason only to see him go down in his first start — during Week 2, when he led the Browns to a 20-0 lead in a game the Ravens came back to win 25-20. McCown threw for 260 yards and two touchdowns in his one-game cameo this season, doing so after completing 63 percent of his passes and throwing 12 touchdown passes compared to four interceptions in 2015.

Browns’ Josh McCown Could Return Next Week

October 23rd, 2016 at 4:56pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Josh McCown has a “chance” to return to the field in time for the Browns’ Week 8 matchup against the Jets, head coach Hue Jackson told reporters, including Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal (Twitter link). Jackson added that Cleveland will evaluate the quarterback position further on Monday.

If McCown is able to go next week, it’s possible that he would start under center, given that Cody Kessler left today’s game against the Bengals with a concussion. If Kessler can’t clear the league’s concussion protocol by next Sunday, McCown would likely start if healthy. If McCown needs more time, Cleveland would start Kevin Hogan, who threw for 100 yards and rushed for 104 more today.

The Browns’ quarterback situation this season has almost become comical, as injuries have forced the club to run through a multitude of options. Robert Griffin III, McCown, Kessler, Charlie Whitehurst, Hogan, and wide receiver Terrelle Pryor have all seen time at QB as Cleveland tries to find a healthy signal-caller.

McCown, 37, went 1-7 as a starter for the Browns last season. In his one game under center for Cleveland this year, the veteran completed 20 of his 33 passes and threw two touchdowns with two interceptions.

Browns’ Cody Kessler Aiming To Play Week 6

October 10th, 2016 at 9:01pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Browns rookie quarterback Cody Kessler has “a chance” to start in Week 6 against the Titans, head coach Hue Jackson told reporters, including Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. If Kessler is unable to play, Cleveland could turn to veteran Josh McCown who might be ready to return to action just a month after breaking his collarbone.

McCown will return to practice on Wednesday, the same day that Jackson says he’ll know more about Kessler’s condition. Kessler underwent tests on his chest and ribs area today, and while “nothing is broken,” pain tolerance could be an issue for the third-round pick. According to Cabot, Kessler had difficulty breathing after Sunday’s contest and appeared to be in a great deal of pain today.

In the first three starts of his career, Kessler has completed roughly two-thirds of his passes for more than 500 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. McCown, meanwhile, made it through only one games, but he threw for 260 yards and two scores. Neither quarterback, of course, has led the Browns to a victory.

Third-stringer Charlie Whitehurst, the fifth quarterback Cleveland has employed this season, is day-to-day, per Cabot.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.