While Josh McCown hasn’t yet announced whether he’ll continue his career in 2018, those close to him believe the veteran quarterback will return for another season, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. McCown, who is currently on injured reserve after breaking his hand, posted arguably the best campaign of his career while starting 13 games for the Jets this year. Given that he’ll be entering his age-39 season, McCown won’t command a long-term contract, and could theoretically make sense as a bridge quarterback for a number of clubs. When he does hang up his cleats, McCown is expected to generate interest as a coach.
Here’s more from La Canfora as Week 16 comes to a close:
- Speaking of the Jets, it would qualify as “shocking” if Gang Green doesn’t release defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson prior to next season, per La Canfora. Wilkerson has been in the news for all the wrong reasons in recent weeks, and he isn’t expected to play for New York again this season despite being fully healthy. Missed meetings and other off-field offenses have led the Jets’ coaching staff to become “fed up” with Wilkerson, and there’s almost no chance the club will opt to pay him $17MM in 2018. Still, Wilkerson is expected to generate interest if he hits the free agent market next spring.
- Although reports of a $2.5 billion price for the Panthers may have been exaggerated, sources still expect the Carolina franchise to garner at least $2 billion, as La Canfora writes. Although the NFL will require full cooperation as the league investigates claims of harassment against owner Jerry Richardson, the league won’t be able to tell Richardson to whom he can sell his team. Because Richardson isn’t keeping the club in his family, he has the right to sell to whomever he chooses.
- The relationship between Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and offensive coordinator Todd Haley has become strained, per La Canfora, who adds Roethlisberger has asked for a “buffer” between him and Haley during games. As such, quarterbacks coach Randy Fichtner has begun coaching from the sidelines (instead of the press box) in order to act as that go-between. While reports of complications between Roethlisberger and Haley may have no affect, the relationship could potentially affect offseason staff plans for Pittsburgh.
- The Patriots, Eagles, and Vikings are all expected to lose members of their staff this offseason as coaches leave for promotions with other clubs, according to La Canfora. New England, Philadelphia, and Minnesota are three of the most successful teams in the league in 2017, and coordinators such as Josh McDaniels, Matt Patricia, Jim Schwartz, Frank Reich, John DeFilippo, Pat Shurmur, and George Edwards could all be on the move.
Pittsburgh needs to start fresh the moment Ben retires and get rid of Tomlin and his staff. The team has become stale and the defense especially is a disappointment.
You’re insane. The all-pro linemen (3), Brown and Bell on offense, and a young defense that is going to become very good doesn’t result in a “refresh.” A good free agent QB will be attracted to play for them (ex: Cousins) knowing they have all the tools in place.
As for Tomlin, he’s done a great job. Two Super Bowl appearances isn’t too shabby, and one or two more would’ve occurred if the Patriots weren’t so damn good.
You obviously have no idea about football, Tomlin is a great coach so many teams would KILL to have him. If it isn’t for Tom Brady (the G.O.A.T) he probably has another ring or two
Say what? Have you looked at the standings lately? 12 wins, 3 losses. Guess you haven’t.
They’ve been said for the past 3urs the pats are going to lose one or both of their coordinators but yet nothing IMO they stay as long as Bills there and then one will take over from
It’s not like any of the past pats coordinators have done anything good