When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hired Lovie Smith as their head coach, the team immediately acquired quarterback Josh McCown who had success with the coach during their time with the Chicago Bears. McCown was not a long-term option for Tampa Bay, but they hoped the veteran could give them stability for the coming years while they rebuilt the roster. That failed to happen and now McCown is out and a rookie is likely coming in.
According to team officials, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released McCown on Wednesday night after just one season with the team. McCown finished 2014 going 2-14, earning the Buccaneers the No. 1 draft pick. He missed five games with a thumb injury, but at that point the damage was done. The veteran posted a 56.3 completion percentage while throwing 11 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. The Buccaneers only won one game with the veteran under center while backup Mike Glennon also earned a win.
McCown still had another year and $5 million left on his contract. The quarterback was considered a top free agent prior to the 2014 season after he had plenty of success with the Bears filling in for the injured Jay Cutler. According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, McCown has already heard from a few teams regarding his availability as teams in need of a veteran could bring on the 35-year-old.
McCown's exit likely ends the talk of Glennon being traded. Bleacher Report noted that the Glennon could draw some interest in a cheap trade for teams needing quarterback depth, but right now that is the Buccaneers. It is assumed with McCown's exit Tampa Bay will retain their No. 1 pick and grab a quarterback. There are a number of teams pining over that top spot in order to grab either Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston. The Buccaneers need a quarterback and would be wise to use the pick.
According to Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com, the Buccaneers are favoring Winston at No. 1 over Mariota. A number of draft experts actually have the Florida State quarterback at the top of every mock draft rather than the reigning Heisman trophy winner. There is no question Winston is a talent, but his off-the-field issues have some NFL experts concerned. The Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles are two teams also eyeing the top pick for Mariota. If the Buccaneers hint that they like Winston, those teams might not risk the trade up.