Jets bringing back QB Josh McCown

NEW YORK » The New York Jets are calling an audible and turning to a familiar face as their backup plan at quarterback.

Josh McCown agreed Tuesday on a one-year deal to return to the Jets, agent Mike McCartney announced on Twitter.

The Jets were believed to be one of the primary potential suitors for freeagent prize Kirk Cousins, but the former Washington quarterback is visiting Minnesota on Wednesday.

With the possibility looming that Cousins could sign with the Vikings before ever meeting with the Jets, New York instead is bringing back its 38-yearold starter who had a career-season last year. McCown set individual highs with 2,926 yards passing and 18 touchdown throws, and quickly established himself as a respected leader in the Jets’ locker room.

A person with direct knowledge of McCown’s contract told The Associated Press the one-year deal, which will be signed when the NFL’s free-agent period begins Wednesday, is worth $10 million. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team had not announced it.

McCown also tweeted a picture of himself — without any words — in a Jets uniform pumping both fists during a game.

His future with the Jets — and in the NFL — was uncertain after he broke his left hand at Denver on Dec. 10 and finished the season on injured reserve. After the season, he said he wanted to continue playing, but the Jets emerged over as possible contenders in the sweepstakes for Cousins.

“I enjoyed my season there this year,” McCown said during an interview with NFL Network in January. “More than anything, just the people in the organization. It’s a special place from the ownership down. I enjoyed my time with coach (Todd) Bowles. A lot of decisions have to be made within the next few months, but I loved being there, and we’ll see how it plays out.”