Newest Jets QB Josh McCown has met plenty of media members throughout his 15-year NFL career and many of them believe he's a perfect addition to a Jets team with two young quarterbacks.
"Great dude," CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora told Eric Allen at the NFL Owners Meetings. "Beloved by all his teammates. He's been someone who has really made the most of second and third chances. Five years ago he was coaching high school football and was able to take this second renaissance. He hasn't taken it for granted at all. He's super smart and will be great in that quarterback room with all of the young quarterbacks."
McCown joins two signal callers who have a combined three seasons under their belts. Bryce Petty, 25, started his first four professional games under center last season and second-year player Christian Hackenberg redshirted his rookie campaign. Jets GM Mike Maccagnan told the media last week two of the reasons the Jets targeted McCown were his character and leadership.
"I guarantee when Hackenberg and Petty start talking to him at some point and once they get to know him in the offseason program, they're going to think he's a coach on the field," Houston Chronicle NFL Writer John McClain said. "He's like a coach in the dressing room with his leadership. If they ask him for advice, he's not going to teach them the opposite of the coaches and he's not going to get in the way of the coaches. But he can do things that he's learned on the field playing that position that the others have not."
Also in that room will be QBs coach Jeremy Bates, who worked with McCown as part of the Bears organization in 2012. On a team focused on building with youth, the 37-year-old McCown is a cagey veteran who has seen it all.
"Put me on the list of people who will tout Josh McCown as a veteran leader," said Vic Carucci of the Buffalo News. "The presence that he brings, he'll be good to that locker room. And I think there's a great deal of importance that can't be overestimated. It's a big deal to have a guy who knows his way around the league, who will be good in the room with other quarterbacks. I've gotten to know Josh through the years and I have nothing but the greatest respect for him."
