Why Josh McCown came back for Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles new backup quarterback Josh McCown turned down many jobs this year. So why did he unretire for Philly?
The 2019 NFL season was going to be the first time since 2002 that Josh McCown wasn’t going to be in the league. After spending 15 years in the NFL, pretty much as an NFL backup, McCown was ready to call it quits and take his talents to the broadcast booth.
Now, that part of his career will be put on hold. On Saturday, the Philadelphia Eagles flew Josh McCown to Philly so they could ink him to a one-year deal. After injuries to both Nate Sudfeld and Cody Kessler over the last two weeks, the Eagles needed to figure out a solution for the backup quarterback position, and the answer wasn’t the rookie, Clayton Thorson.
This offseason, the 40-year-old Josh McCown received multiple inquiries about his backup services — all of which he declined as he was ready to stay true to his retirement. However, two weeks into the preseason, the veteran quarterback was beginning to change his mind. And when the Eagles came calling, McCown not only picked up — but he also agreed to join.
Why did the Eagles pick Josh McCown?
Out of all the quarterbacks in the NFL, why did the Eagles go for a retired 40-year-old career backup? It’s simple — he’s got tons of experience. Despite being viewed as a career-long backup, McCown does have 76 starts under his belt. While he doesn’t have the most exceptional track record in terms of winning, McCown was on some pretty pitiful teams over the years.
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For a quarterback like McCown, the situation around him has to be right. We’re not talking about a guy who could take over and win games for the Eagles here — but he could surely come in and help contribute to a win or two if Carson Wentz goes down again at some point (knock on wood).
Since McCown was more than willing to come out of retirement for the Eagles, it was a no-brainer for them to sign him. However, why exactly did McCown choose to revive his NFL career for just one more season to sign with the Eagles after turning down multiple jobs?
McCown chooses the Eagles
Five factors went into McCown’s decision to return. If an inquiring team could check all five boxes, he would put his broadcasting career aside and return to the gridiron. First, McCown didn’t want to be too far away from Charlotte, North Carolina. While it’s not super close to Philly, a flight there would only take roughly under two hours.
Secondly, McCown didn’t want to be in any battles for QB1. He wants to backup a true franchise quarterback who he knows will excel in 2019. Fortunately, McCown is a Carson Wentz believer. Third, McCown tried to ensure he got to a team with a winning culture, and passionate fan base. Do I even really have to explain this in defense of the Eagles?
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Fourth, he wanted a solid coaching staff with an innovative offense. Doug Pederson might not always get the recognition from the media that he deserves, but the true football minds know just how intelligent the former career backup is at coaching an offense in the NFL.
And lastly, McCown wanted to land on a contending team. Being that he’s been in the league for 15 years, he wants something to truly show for it — a Super Bowl ring. As the Eagles won two years ago and stacked up their team, even more, this season, they are easy contenders for a Lombardi once again. McCown knows that, and he would like to take part in 2019.