QB Josh McCown wants to remain a Bear in 2014

Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Last night on the Waddle & Silvy show (WMVP-1000), Josh McCown stated that his “heart is in Chicago” and that he hopes to return in 2014 even if it is as Jay Cutler’s back-up. According to McCown it sounds like the Bears want him back as well, “I think it was mutual that we both wanted to continue working together”.

Why wouldn’t they? McCown was better than even the most optimistic Bears fan expected, posting QB numbers near the  top of league in multiple categories. In 8 games “Drago” McCown completed 66.5% of his passes for 1,829 yards and 13 touchdowns to only 1 interception. The Bears were 3-2 in his 5 starts and his QBR of 85.09 was #1 in the league, higher than legends like Manning (82.9), Brees (70.5), and Brady (61.1).

McCown was so good last year that he is bound to have a number of suitors this off-season. At 34 he probably has a few good seasons left and would be an upgrade at QB for about half of the teams in the NFL. We know now that he is open to coming back and is humble enough to be satisfied with the back-up role. What we don’t know is can the Bears afford him? How much of a “hometown discount” is he willing to take? Due to a provision in the collective bargaining agreement, the Bears can’t re-sign McCown until March 11th, but they do have exclusive bargaining rights until March 7th, so hopefully they can have a deal in place that will keep McCown in Chicago for a few more years.

Twitter: #MikeFlannery_