The Chicago Bears can no longer count on Jay Cutler. Contractually speaking, the two sides will be in a relationship for many years to come, but the team is well-aware that they need insurance in case Cutler starts to struggle once again. The quarterback has not exactly been a picture of consistency and 2014 was another example of that which is causing the Bears to consider all options at the position. With a trade unlikely to happen, could a familiar face be returning to help out?
According to Chicago head coach John Fox, the Bears will be meeting with Josh McCown at the NFL Combine. The quarterback was just released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers just one season after signing in the offseason. McCown's tenure with the Buccaneers was nowhere near successful as the quarterback struggled behind a bad offensive line and eventually got injured. However, that has apparently not hurt interest surrounding him in free agency as a number of teams are targeting the quarterback for help.
According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, as many as eight teams want to meet with McCown after getting released from the Buccaneers. The Buffalo Bills brought the quarterback in for a workout last week, but he left without a contract in place. The Cleveland Browns are looking to meet with the quarterback along with the New York Jets. Anyone not aiming to draft a quarterback, but still needing help at the position will target McCown as a potential option.
A reunion with the Bears certainly makes a lot of sense. McCown had a solid amount of success with the team back in 2013 when he stepped in for the injured Cutler. He threw 13 touchdowns with just one interception in eight games. He already has chemistry with several of their playmakers. McCown also is familiar with Fox and his system. The two spent two seasons together with the Carolina Panthers which is why the head coach might like to bring the quarterback back as insurance for Cutler.
Cutler has faced trade rumors for the entire offseason so far, but his contract might be the least desirable thing for any team right now. The Bears have also been linked to deals involving Brandon Marshall and Matt Forte. NFL draft experts are also not ruling out the idea that the Bears make a move for a quarterback in the early rounds of the draft as well. Adding McCown would be smart and cost effective for the Bears to solve short-term problems for 2015.