Nick Piccone
After Cody Kessler went down with a head injury early in Thursday night’s preseason game against the Jaguars, Clayton Thorson was left with the load. And while Thorson performed better than he did the week prior against the Titans, he still that’s not exactly a suitable comfort as the main option behind Carson Wentz when the season starts. With Nate Sudfeld out for at least a handful of games early in the season due to his broken wrist, the Eagles had a decision to make. Can they count on Wentz to stay healthy before Sudfeld returns? Would Kessler be healthy enough to start the season as the backup?
So, today, the team decided to bring in Josh McCown on a one-year deal. According to reports by ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Eagles signed McCown for the season with a $2 million base guarantee and could be worth up to $5.4 million.
Josh McCown, who announced his retirement this summer to spend more time with family, is returning to play his 17th NFL season with the Eagles, per sources.
McCown is signing a 1-year deal with the but plans to resume his broadcasting career with ESPN after season, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 17, 2019
Josh McCown had said if the right opportunity came along, he would consider it. Now it has. He is signing a 1-year deal with Eagles.
Eagles still expect Nate Sudfeld – who received a second-round tender last off-season – to return from injury this season; team still values him.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 17, 2019
Compensation update: Eagles are giving Josh McCown a one-year deal that includes $2 million fully guaranteed and could be worth up to $5.4 million, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 17, 2019
The #Eagles are giving new QB Josh McCown a $2M base salary that is fully guaranteed, source said. That’s a strong indication he’s back for the season and their backup to Carson Wentz. Out of retirement and back on a roster.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 17, 2019
It’s more of a comfort than Thorson, and maybe even Kessler, but when Sudfeld returns, it’s likely he’d become the third backup option again if McCown doesn’t get into any games and stays healthy. Of course, none of this will matter if Wentz stays healthy, and that’s been a big talking point locally and nationally for the last few months. Wentz may have to change his game a little bit to make sure he avoids the big hits while holding the ball so long, but with an improved running game, hopefully we won’t have to see the quarterback taking big hits as often.
Follow Nick Piccone on Twitter (@nickpiccone) and e-mail him at [email protected]. You can read his pro wrestling articles on PhillyVoice here.
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