Josh McCown spent more than two decades in professional football, leaving many fans curious about how many teams did Josh McCown play for during his career. The answer reflects a journeyman path through multiple organizations across the league.
His career arc shows consistency as a starter and backup, moving between contenders and rebuilding franchises. The following breakdown highlights the scope and timeline of his team changes.
| Team | Years | Role | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 2002 | Undrafted Free Agent | Signed after going undrafted, released early in preseason |
| Chicago Bears | 2002–2005 | Backup / Spot Starter | Shared time at quarterback behind Rex Grossman |
| Cleveland Browns | 2006–2008 | Starting Quarterback | Led the offense for three full seasons |
| Oakland Raiders | 2009–2010 | Starting Quarterback | Starter in 2009, lost starting job in 2010 |
| St. Louis Rams | 2011 | Starting Quarterback | Began season as starter, replaced midyear |
| Tennessee Titans | 2012 | Backup | Provided depth behind Jake Locker |
| Baltimore Ravens | 2013 | Backup | Short-term signing as injury cover |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 2014–2015 | Backup | >|
| New York Jets | 2016 | Starting Quarterback | Opened as starter, released midseason |
| Washington Redskins | 2016 | Starting Quarterback | Finished the season after starter was injured |
| Arizona Cardinals | 2017 | Starting Quarterback | Starter for the entire season |
| San Francisco 49ers | 2018 | Backup | Provided veteran depth behind Jimmy Garoppolo |
Journeyman Career Path
Josh McCown played for 12 different teams over 14 seasons in the NFL. This journey included starting jobs, backup roles, and brief stops that shaped his reputation as a reliable professional. Understanding how many teams did Josh McCown play for helps illustrate his adaptability across schemes and cities.
Stints as a Starting Quarterback
Primary Starter Tenures
The question of how many teams did Josh McCown play for is closely tied to his time as a starter. He led the Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams, New York Jets, Washington Redskins, and Arizona Cardinals, earning trust as an opener or midseason solution.
Role Across Different Systems
Backup and Mentor Periods
Between starts, McCown served as a backup in Chicago, Tennessee, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. These years were vital for his longevity, showing he could elevate teams without being the centerpiece while still contributing to playoff pushes.
Impact and Legacy
Veteran Presence and Leadership
Across all these stops, McCown’s consistency and football IQ left a lasting imprint. Although he rarely dominated headlines, his ability to step in and deliver made him a valued leader in every locker room he joined.
Key Takeaways
- Josh McCown played for 12 teams in 14 NFL seasons.
- He served as a starter in six cities and a backup in several others.
- His career highlights include playoff appearances with multiple franchises.
- He remained a respected locker-room leader well into his later years.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many different teams did Josh McCown play for during his NFL career?
Josh McCown played for 12 different teams, spanning from his undrafted rookie season in Tampa Bay through his final stop in Arizona.
Which team did he spend the most time with as a starter?
He spent the most starting seasons with the Cleveland Browns and the Arizona Cardinals, leading each for multiple full years.
Did he ever reach the playoffs as a starter?
Yes, McCown guided the Cardinals to the playoffs in 2017 and contributed in postseason runs with the Browns and Jets in earlier years.
What was his final team before retirement?
His last team was the Arizona Cardinals in 2017, after which he moved into a veteran mentorship role with younger quarterbacks.