Dec 22, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Josh McCown (12) gets set during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Bears 54-11. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
How reliable is Jason La Canfora’s gut as an predictor of where free agent quarterbacks will end up?
I guess we’ll find out. La Canfora, who usually makes his living breaking stories and dishing insider dirt, has put on his speculation hat and made his best guesses about where this year’s crop of free agent QBs will land.
Bad news Adrian Peterson: La Canfora says the Vikings will wind up with Josh McCown:
"McCown was outstanding in Chicago last season and he has plenty of suitors after the Bears paid (I’d say grossly overpaid) to keep Jay Cutler. Going from one quarterback whisperer — Marc Trestman — to another (Norv Turner) makes a ton of sense, and the Vikings have some emerging talent on offense and McCown already knows the division quite well. The Vikings saw the best of him up close last season, and he is looking for a place to play quickly. With Matt Cassel opting out of his deal and very likely to explore other options in free agency, and Christian Ponder just a guy at this point, this would be a great spot for McCown. He is accustomed to playing in the cold. He will be willing to be very patient to find the best spot to advance his career. I like this fit. (Is there a spot for long-time Turner-guy Charlie Whitehurst in Minnesota as well?). McCown knows new Tampa Bay coach Lovie Smith some from their time together in Chicago as well, and that’s also a natural landing spot for him, though I’m going to follow my gut and slot him to the Vikings."
McCown’s ability to throw the ball up and let Alshon Jeffery catch it against weak Chris Cook coverage was very very impressive last year.
And yes, McCown has played in the cold, which will help him not wig out when it drops well below zero outside at TCF Bank Stadium.
The best thing about McCown? He is not Christian Ponder.
McCown is not the sexiest guy on the free agent list, but he could be a decent, practical, relatively inexpensive bridge QB option for a year or two.
McCown would look even better if you also added a viable prospect through the draft. The presence of McCown would mean you would not have to rush your draft pick onto the field.
On the other hand, it’s always a little dangerous projecting the future performance of backups who had themselves a nice little run.
Matt Flynn had a nice little run with the Packers, and he’s still Matt Flynn.
It comes down to this: Would you rather have the backup who showed a recent flash, or the former star who is looking to put it back together?
That’s what McCown v. Vick basically boils down to. McCown v. Sanchez, same thing.
La Canfora’s gut says it will be McCown. We’ll hold him to this.
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