The Saints have re-signed backup quarterback Luke McCown to a one-year deal worth $970K, according to Evan Woodbery of the Times-Picayune. The base salary is the minimum for a ten-yer veteran. McCown received an $80K signing bonus, and $350K in guarantees, per Alex Marvez of FOX Sports (Twitter link).
McCown, like many backup signal-callers, is something of a journeyman, having spent time with the Browns, Buccaneers, Jaguars, and Falcons in addition to the Saints. All told, he’s attempted 317 NFL passes, completing 184 for 2,035 yards and nine touchdowns against 14 interceptions. Originally a fourth-round pick by Cleveland in 2004, the 33-year-old McCown has spent the last two seasons as New Orleans’ No. 2 behind Drew Brees, attempting just one pass during that stretch.
According to Woodbery, McCown will compete with third-year player Ryan Griffin for the backup position. The two staged a similar competition last year, which McCown won, relegating Griffin to the practice squad for much of the season. McCown will now remain in the same division as his older brother, Buccaneers quarterback Josh McCown.