Jets sign QB Josh McCown

The Jets' greatest off-season question has been answered. They've found themselves a quarterback.

Veteran Josh McCown signed a one-year deal with the Jets on Monday night.

The Jets had been linked with just about every quarterback who's hit the open market. But in the end, they settled on McCown – on a deal that will pay him $6 million, completely guaranteed, according to multiple reports.

There were more talented quarterbacks out there, including Jay Cutler. According to ESPN, the Jets were set to meet with Cutler later this week. But they decided on McCown instead, in yet another sign that the Jets aren't going for the quick fix. They're committed to rebuilding in 2017.

McCown, who spent the last two seasons in Cleveland, is a journeyman backup. The Jets will be his eighth team in 15 NFL seasons. He's started 10 games or more only twice, and he's never started more than 13 games in a season. He probably won't morph into a quarterback capable of leading the Jets to the promised land, or even the fringe of playoff contention.

But the Jets are still rewarding McCown handsomely – his contract reportedly has an additional $7 million in incentives – because he's a good fit for the Jets in the locker room.

He's respected as a teammate and has a strong reputation as a leader. And he'll certainly be relied upon as a mentor for the only other two quarterbacks on the Jets roster: Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg, neither of whom appear ready to start.

By going with McCown they are keeping their options open. If Petty or Hackenberg impresses during the spring and keeps it up during training camp, there's a real chance one of them could beat McCown out for the starting job.

And since McCown isn't a long-term answer, the Jets might choose to select a quarterback in next month's draft. They have the No. 6 pick.

But even if McCown wins the starting job, there are serious questions about his durability. McCown has played just 11 games in the last two seasons after suffering a broken collarbone in 2015 and an injured shoulder in 2016. He's never played a full season, and it would be surprising if he did so at 38.

Even when he's been healthy, McCown has been underwhelming. He has a career record of 18-42, including a 1-10 stint in Cleveland last year. He's never had a winning season in his career. His best year as a quarterback came in 2013 in Chicago when he threw 13 touchdowns and one interception in five starts – filling in for the injured Cutler.

But McCown won't have to do much to surpass the man he's replacing. Ryan Fitzpatrick wasn't retained by the Jets after two seasons with the team, including a disastrous 2016 season. Fitzpatrick was benched several times and the Jets, who had playoff expectations, went a miserable 5-11.

Last season's massive disappointment necessitated the Jets' high-profile and wide-ranging search to find a quarterback.

Before free agency even started, they were linked to Mike Glennon. But he signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the Bears. Tyrod Taylor was another option, but he remained with the Bills on a restructured deal. The Jets also had interest in Brian Hoyer, but he quickly signed with the 49ers. The Jets also hosted Eagles free agent Chase Daniel for a visit on Monday. But before the end of the day, the Jets' search had finally ended.

They had settled on McCown.

Email: vasqueza@northjersey.com