The New York Jets signed veteran Josh McCown to a one-year deal on Monday. The contract is filled with incentives and McCown stands to earn a bonus $5 million if the Jets make it to and win Super Bowl LII.
That said, the Jets are not ready to say that McCown will actually be the starter in 2017.
Per Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk, Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan wouldn’t make that commitment and deferred any comments on the matter to Todd Bowles.
At this time, third-year quarterback Bryce Petty and second-year quarterback Christian Hackenberg, who was drafted by the Jets in the second round last year, are behind McCown on the depth chart.
It’s difficult to believe that McCown will not be the man behind center on opening day. Petty completed 75 passes for a total of three touchdowns and seven interceptions in six games last season. Hackenberg has yet to take a snap during the regular season at all and is rumored to be nowhere near ready to start (more on that here).
The Jets could also have plans to draft rookie quarterback coming up next month. They currently have pick No. 6 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Though we have no idea what will happen next, as usual the Jets remain a team with one of the bleakest quarterback situations in the league.