Placed on the trade block as Browns coach Hue Jackson attempts to resurrect Robert Griffin III's career, veteran quarterback Josh McCown is now on John Elway's radar in Denver.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Tuesday's edition of NFL Total Access that the Broncos are among the teams interested in the Browns quarterback if they can't pull off a Colin Kaepernick trade. The Jets also remain interested after pursuing McCown last offseason.
If the 49ers end up parting with Kaepernick, McCown's former position coach, Kevin O'Connell, would like to work with the 36-year-old quarterback in San Francisco, Rapoport reported.
"At this point, the Browns are certainly looking to either deal Josh McCown or cut him," Rapoport added.
McCown isn't the only veteran quarterback on the market. The Texans and Brian Hoyer appear "headed for a divorce," Rapoport said, following Houston's acquisition of Brock Osweiler. Both sides are on board with a fresh start.
Although the Buccaneers are also open to trading Mike Glennonfor the right value in draft picks, Rapoport believes that price is prohibitive at this point.
The Broncos' defense, special teams and offensive skill-position talent remain Super Bowl-caliber, with current QB1 Mark Sanchez as the major sticking point.
Even with a fearless playing style bordering on recklessness, McCown's recent game film suggests he would be an upgrade on the mistake-prone Sanchez. In 16 games and 13 starts with the Bears (2013) and Browns (2015), McCown posted the following numbers: 3,938 yards, 64.9 completion rate, 7.6 yards per attempt, 25:5 TD-to-INT ratio and 100.1 passer rating.
Unless Elway is willing to meet the demands of Kaepernick and 49ers general manager Trent Baalke, McCown might just be his best option for the 2016 season.
