Josh McCown has been a reliable veteran quarterback in the NFL, known for durability and leadership across multiple franchises. If you have been asking how many teams has Josh McCown played for, the answer highlights a journeyman career spanning over a decade in the league.
From his early days with the Arizona Cardinals to his final seasons in Cleveland, McCown consistently delivered steady performances and remained on NFL rosters longer than most quarterbacks. Below you will find a detailed breakdown of every organization he represented during his career.
| Team | Years | Role | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Cardinals | 2002 | Undrafted rookie | Drafted late, did not appear in regular season games |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 2002–2003 | Backup / Practice squad | Spent time on practice squad, did not appear in games |
| Houston Texans | 2004–2005 | Roster / Practice squad | Released after preseason both seasons |
| Chicago Bears | 2006–2009 | Starting and backup QB | Became starter in 2007, led team with solid season |
| Oakland Raiders | 2010–2011 | Starting QB | Held starting role for two seasons despite injuries |
| Miami Dolphins | 2012 | Backup QB | Provided veteran depth behind Ryan Tannehill |
| New England Patriots | 2013 | Backup QB | Served as emergency option behind Tom Brady |
| Cleveland Browns | 2014–2017 | Starting QB | Longest tenure, multiple seasons as starter |
| Detroit Lions | 2017 | Backup QB | Brief mid-season addition |
Early Career Teams and Development
Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Josh McCown entered the NFL when the Arizona Cardinals selected him in the seventh round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He did not appear in any regular season games for the Cardinals and spent time on the practice squad. Later that year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed him to their practice squad, where he continued to develop without seeing action on the field.
Houston Texans and the Value of Persistence
McCown signed with the Houston Texans in 2004 and again in 2005, but he was released during the preseason both times. These short stints emphasized the competitive nature of the league and helped him refine his skills while staying ready for an opportunity elsewhere.
Establishing Himself as a Starter
Chicago Bears and Breakout Season
Joining the Chicago Bears in 2006 marked a turning point for Josh McCown. He backed up Rex Grossman and later became the starting quarterback in 2007, delivering a strong performance that showcased his leadership and accuracy under pressure.
Oakland Raiders and Two Key Seasons
The Oakland Raiders signed McCown in 2010, giving him the starting job for the 2010 and 2011 seasons. During this period, he demonstrated consistency and resilience, managing the offense through injuries and leading the Raiders to competitive games in tough division matchups.
Later Career and Veteran Presence
Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots
McCown joined the Miami Dolphins in 2012 as a backup to Ryan Tannehill, offering mentorship and a steady hand. In 2013, he moved to the New England Patriots, where he provided crucial depth behind Tom Brady during a playoff run.
Cleveland Browns and Final Seasons
McCown spent the longest stretch of his career with the Cleveland Browns from 2014 to 2017, serving multiple seasons as the starting quarterback. His time in Cleveland highlighted his durability and ability to manage games without overwhelming arm talent.
Detroit Lions and Retirement
In 2017, McCown briefly joined the Detroit Lions as a backup before an injury to Matthew Stafford led to his final regular season action. He retired at the end of the year, leaving behind a respected career defined by longevity and reliability.
Key Takeaways for Football Fans
- Josh McCown played for nine different NFL teams during his career.
- His longest tenure was with the Cleveland Browns, where he was a multi-year starter.
- McCown also had meaningful contributions with the Chicago Bears and Oakland Raiders.
- He served as a reliable backup with the Dolphins, Patriots, and Lions.
- His early career included brief periods with the Cardinals, Buccaneers, and Texans.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which team did Josh McCown play for longest?
Josh McCown spent the most time with the Cleveland Browns, playing four seasons from 2014 to 2017 and serving as the starting quarterback.
Did Josh McCown ever start a game during his career?
Yes, McCown started multiple games for the Chicago Bears and Oakland Raiders, and he was the primary starter for the Browns over several seasons.
Which teams did Josh McCown play for before joining the Browns?
Before joining the Cleveland Browns, McCown played for the Arizona Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Houston Texans, Chicago Bears, Oakland Raiders, Miami Dolphins, and New England Patriots.
How many teams did Josh McCown play for total?
Across his NFL career, Josh McCown played for nine distinct teams, combining practice squad time, short stints, and long-term roles as a starter and backup.