Cross Josh McCown off the Jets’ wish list.
The free-agent quarterback signed with the Buccaneers on Wednesday, eliminating one option the Jets were considering for their backup quarterback job.
McCown was scheduled to visit the Jets this week, but the Buccaneers never let him leave the building.
The Jets are looking for someone to play behind Geno Smith and possibly take over if he stumbles. They are also interested in free agents Michael Vick and Shaun Hill.
Vick is believed to be the Jets’ top choice, and there is mutual interest, according to sources. But Vick is going to take his time and see how the quarterback landscape develops, according to a source.
McCown’s deal is for two years, $10 million, according to the NFL Network. The 34-year-old had a strong season for the Bears last year, subbing for an injured Jay Cutler. He was considered the second-best quarterback available in free agency.
Mark Sanchez remains on the Jets roster and you have to wonder if the thought of keeping him on a cheaper contract is gaining steam with the Jets.
Sanchez is scheduled to make $11 million this year, a number the Jets won’t pay. But they have to consider whether he is a better option than what is on the market, particularly if Vick chooses to go elsewhere. Josh Freeman, Hill and Jason Campbell are the best available quarterbacks in free agency.
Backup defensive lineman Leger Douzable re-signed with the Jets, according to a source. The contract is for one year. Douzable was an underrated contributor last year coming off the bench.
Free-agent wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, a potential Jets target, visited the Jaguars on Wednesday and then was going to visit the Buccaneers, according to reports.
The Jets have expressed interest in free-agent wide receiver Brandon LaFell, according to a source. LaFell visited the Patriots on Wednesday. The Broncos are also interested.
The Jets lost backup cornerback Isaiah Trufant when he signed with the Browns early Wednesday morning. Trufant will be reunited with Browns head coach Mike Pettine, his former defensive coordinator with the Jets.
Free-agent guard Vlad Ducasse is visiting the Vikings, according to a source.