NEW YORK (AP) Josh McCown might be the answer - in the short term, at least - for the quarterback-needy Jets.
The free agent QB is meeting with New York on Friday and Saturday, according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation.
The Jets have just the inexperienced Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg on their roster, and McCown would provide a veteran presence who could potentially start and be a mentor to the youngsters. Ryan Fitzpatrick and Geno Smith are both free agents and Smith has agreed to terms with the Jets' New York neighbors, the Giants, pending passing a physical.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team had not announced the visit.
NFL Network first reported McCown's scheduled meeting with New York.
McCown, who'll turn 38 on July 4, played the last two seasons with Cleveland. He appeared in 13 games for the Browns, throwing for 3,209 yards, 18 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. But McCown was 1-10 as a starter with the Browns, including 0-3 last season, and was released last month.
The well-traveled McCown has also spent time with Arizona, Detroit, Oakland, Miami, Carolina, San Francisco, Chicago and Tampa Bay - all primarily as a backup.
McCown has familiarity with new Jets quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates, who was his position coach in Chicago during the 2012 and `13 seasons.
The Jets initially showed interest in McCown two years ago, when general manager Mike Maccagnan opted to deal for Fitzpatrick instead.
Wide receiver Brandon Marshall, now with the Giants, has praised McCown in the past for being a great leader after their time together with the Bears. McCown would serve as the ultimate ''bridge'' quarterback for the Jets, who are still developing both Petty and Hackenberg.
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