Josh McCown, a name synonymous with versatility in the NFL, is not just known for his wide-ranging career across numerous teams but also for his remarkable intelligence on and off the field. This former journeyman quarterback, who graced the turf for nearly two decades, has left an indelible mark in the league, continuing his legacy as the quarterbacks coach for the Carolina Panthers.
In an impressive 18-year tenure, McCown's journey took him through various teams, including the Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Oakland Raiders, Carolina Panthers, and Chicago Bears. His career also saw stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans, and San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins practice squads.
Josh McCown Earnings
A deeper dive into McCown's career reveals a player who was not only skilled on the field but also astute in contract negotiations. According to Spotrac, his career earnings amounted to $52.3 million.
The zenith of this financial trajectory was during his time with the Cleveland Browns, where he secured a $14 million, three-year deal in 2015, including a $2 million signing bonus and a $6.25 million guarantee. McCown's journey began with the Arizona Cardinals, who drafted him in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft.
His initial three-year contract with the Cardinals was valued at $1.3 million, supplemented by a $483,000 signing bonus. His time with the Cardinals spanned from 2002 until 2005, marking the start of an expansive career. An intriguing chapter in McCown's career was his 2010 contract with the Hartford Colonials of the United Football League.
Despite receiving an attractive offer from the Chicago Bears shortly after, McCown demonstrated his integrity and commitment by choosing to honour his agreement with the Colonials. However, his NFL journey continued post-UFL, with notable contracts like the two-year, $10 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2014 and his final two-year, $2.8 million contract with the Texans in 2020.
Throughout his NFL journey, McCown's statistics reflect his adaptability and resilience. He accumulated 17,731 passing yards, achieved 98 touchdowns against 82 interceptions, and maintained a 79.7 passer rating and a 60.2% completion percentage.
These numbers underscore a career characterized by perseverance and adaptability. As McCown transitions from player to coach, his story remains a testament to the dynamic nature of a career in the NFL, marked by both financial success and a profound impact on the teams and players he's worked with.