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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed former Chicago Bears quarterback Josh McCown. On the surface, it sounds like a fairly pedestrian signing with minimal fantasy football impacts. Let’s be honest, he’s an NFL journeyman drafted in the 3rd round of the 2002 draft by the Arizona Cardinals with minimal accolades listed on his resume.
I must first preface this particular rant by saying I am not entirely putting a stamp of approval on McCown’s fantasy value, there are too many variables at this stage, but it’s rather intriguing.
Now, the critics will tell you to temper expectations of McCown. He was in a perfect situation under coach Mark Trestman with a plethora of offensive weapons in the form of Matt Forte, Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery.
I too must confess some apprehension, but let’s look at what McCown did in 2013. He played in eight games for the Bears, however truly only six were full games. In that time he threw for 1,829 yards, completed 65 percent of his passes, had 23 touchdowns to one pick and had a QB rating of 109. I’m impressed.
Let’s spread those numbers over 16 complete games. What you end up with is over 4,500 yards passing and 34 scores to a mere two picks! Words like luck and fluke really have to be thrown out when the numbers look like this.
As for the weapons, McCown will have Doug Martin in the backfield with Mike Williams and Vincent Jackson as wide receivers and newly added Brandon Myers at tight end. I’m not going to get in to an argument comparing his Buccs weapons versus those he had with the Bears, but all have to agree they draw many similarities.
Finally, the climate in Tampa Bay has been toxic, but there is a new regime. They welcome Lovie Smith, a coach known as a player coach, who will immediately repair the morale. Smith makes the Bucs better, their production and record will reflect this.
Is McCown a top 10 fantasy quarterback? In a word – no. Does he have top 10 potential? Absolutely. The bottom line is, McCown is a quarterback you can draft late in 2014 drafts (or possibly nab via free agency) with top 10 potential.
Safe and obvious picks don’t win championships in fantasy football. It’s the picks that are gambles, risks and maybe a little out of the box that have the potential for the most upside.
If McCown is named the starter in Tampa Bay and you are one of those owners that like to pursue running backs, wide receivers and even tight ends before looking at the quarterback position – McCown, remember the name.
It just might be a low cost investment that will yield you exponential profit.
Jim Heath is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @jim_heath, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
