Josh McCown wants to return to Jets in 2018
Jets quarterback Josh McCown during the second half of a game against the Panthers at MetLife Stadium on Nov. 26, 2017. Credit: Lee S. Weissman
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — Josh McCown wants to play in 2018, and he would like to do it for the Jets.
McCown, who will become an unrestricted free agent in March, said Friday evening he’s hopeful something can be worked out.
“Yeah, it’s hard to say, ‘Hey I want to go somewhere else,’ after you had the best year of your career,” McCown said. “I like being there and I love the organization and the guys and the locker room. I think it was a good foundation laid, something special, something that can be built. I understand and respect the evaluation process that has to take place and we’ll see where that leads us, who knows.”
McCown tied a career-high with 13 starts, 2,926 passing yards and 18 touchdowns before breaking his left hand on Dec. 10 in a loss to the Broncos. His 94.5 quarterback rating also was above his career average of 80.8.
McCown, 38, doesn’t appear to be the long-term answer at quarterback. The Jets could move on from McCown and sign a quarterback in free agency, whether that’s Kirk Cousins, Case Keenum, Sam Bradford or Teddy Bridgewater.
There’s also a strong possibility the Jets might select a quarterback with the No. 6 overall pick in the draft. Team officials have interviewed several quarterbacks, including Heisman Trophy winner Baker Mayfield of Oklahoma and Wyoming’s Josh Allen.
McCown said he wouldn’t have a problem being a mentor to a much younger quarterback.
“I came here with a guy who just got picked in the second round,” McCown said, alluding to Christian Hackenberg. “That’s part of this business and for me, I’m going to come in and be a part of the quarterback room and simulate as best I can and give away my experiences and share that with anybody that’s in there, whatever the case may be I’m all for it.”