The conventional logic around the 2017 New York Jets is that quarterback Josh McCown is a placeholder. In 2018, the team will turn to either Bryce Petty or Christian Hackenberg, draft a quarterback, or sign a quarterback in free agency.
But according to general manager Mike Maccagnan, that may not be the case.
“I think the one thing going forward, we’re going to look at every position at the conclusion of the season,” Maccagnan said, per Ralph Vacchiano of SNY. “We still have seen games left to play. We’ll see how this all plays out. And we’ll identify every position to try and make it as competitive as possible. I want to keep this in perspective. We’re just nine games into the season. We still have almost half a season left to play. That stuff will play itself out.”
The GM also added that “Josh has done a very good job for us, and not only on the field as a player but also what he’s brought to the organization.”
While McCown isn’t going to remind anyone in New York of Joe Namath in his prime, he has been better than expected. The quarterback has completed 70.4 percent of his passes for 1,980 yards with 13 touchdowns, seven interceptions, and a 96.1 passer rating.
If McCown is going to return to the Jets for 2018 — his age 39 season — a new contract will need to be worked out. He’s currently playing under a one-year contract and is set to become a free agent in the offseason.