Free-agent quarterback Josh McCown has signed with the Browns, the team announced Friday.
NEWS: Browns agree to terms with QB Josh McCown pic.twitter.com/7BReYJ2Teu
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) February 27, 2015The Browns said the deal is worth three years.
MORE: Bucs release McCown | Options open with Manziel | PHOTOS: Visual heritage of the Browns
McCown, 35, has been a journeyman of sorts during his 13-year NFL career. The former Sam Houston State quarterback was a third-round pick of the Cardinals in 2002. He has since played for the Lions, Raiders, Dolphins, Panthers, 49ers, Bears and Buccaneers. He also played for the Hartford Colonials of the United Football League in 2010.
McCown had a bit of a career resurgence after signing with the Bears in 2011 following an injury to starter Jay Cutler. McCown ended up starting the regular-season finale that year. He filled in for a concussed Cutler in 2012 and then played extremely well in 2013 with Cutler battling injuries. McCown finished the 2013 season with 1,829 passing yards with 13 touchdowns and just one interception in five starts.
He then followed coach Lovie Smith to Tampa, but was injured in Week 3 and eventually lost his starting job to Mike Glennon while the Bucs limped to a 2-14 record.
Both the Bills and Browns had been pursuing McCown. The Bills reportedly thought they were close to an agreement on Thursday. McCown also had suitors in the Bears and Jets.
McCown has appeared in 58 games, with 49 career starts, and has thrown for 8,827 yards with 50 touchdowns and 45 interceptions. Cleveland appears set to let Brian Hoyer become a free agent while Johnny Manziel is currently in rehab. The Browns have had 22 starting quarterbacks since the franchise was re-born in 1999, including Josh McCown's younger brother, Luke, who started four games in 2004.