Buccaneers strongly linked with move for veteran quarterback.
Despite his desire to remain with the Chicago Bears, back-up quarterback Josh McCown is reportedly attracting a great deal of interest ahead of free agency.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht has revealed that he is looking to add a veteran quarterback to compete with Mike Glennon, and with Lovie Smith as his new coach, he is potentially eyeing a reunion between him and McCown this off-season.
“There’s a lot of positions on our team that I’m sure Lovie would agree that we want to anoint as the starter,” Licht said when asked if Glennon is the starting quarterback, as reported by ESPN.
“We want competition for Mike.”
McCown had a 3-2 record last season whilst he filled in for the injured Jay Cutler, generating a passer rating of 109 and throwing 13 touchdown passes and just one interception.
The 34-year-old has previously revealed it is his preference to remain in Chicago, but with the New York Jets also reportedly interested in adding competition for Geno Smith, he could have numerous options when he hits free agency.
Coach Marc Trestman revealed that he regularly speaks to his player and is confident that if he does come back and confirm that he wants to stay, then general manager Phil Emery will do everything that he can to make a deal possible.
Meanwhile, teammate Cutler has also previously revealed that he would like to see McCown return, stating that “the locker room are hoping to see Number 12 back next year” at the end of last season.
Much could depend on the financial package that Chicago are able to offer, as although McCown had opportunities last year, he will still have his chances of playing time limited by Cutler who signed a long-term big-money deal earlier this year.
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