Tuesday 17 February 2015 11:58, UK
Jeff Reinebold admits he was baffled by Tampa Bay’s decision to release Josh McCown as reports suggest the quarterback will be swiftly signed by the Buffalo Bills.
Bucs coach Lovie Smith offloaded the 35-year-old last week, giving a clear indication that he will target a quarterback with the first pick in this year's NFL Draft.
McCown, who had signed a two-year deal, departed after throwing just 11 touchdown passes in 11 starts, with Smith opting instead to retain younger option Mike Glennon.
But this decision was greeted with surprise by Sky Sports expert Reinebold, who believes the Bucs have allowed one of their rivals to complete a cut-price deal.
My question with what Lovie has done here is: why would you ever give away an asset for nothing?
Speaking on this week’s Inside the Huddle podcast, he said: “I understand the concept of keeping the younger guy.
“In Glennon’s defence in 2013, he showed some flashes that he was going to be a legitimate quarterback.
“My question with what Lovie has done here is: why would you ever give away an asset for nothing? Especially a quarterback asset, he’s not costing you a lot of money.
"You could cut him in training camp if you wanted to or before training camp. He’s an asset, he’s something you never, ever in my opinion give away assets for nothing."
Buffalo held talks with McCown on Monday and Reinebold believes he will bring some experience following the sudden retirement of Kyle Orton, although he did not sign a contract after his visit with talks expected to follow with a couple of other teams.
He said: “Immediately McCown comes up, because they lost their veteran quarterback to retirement and obviously here is a guy who can come in and certainly has played at a high level in the National Football League when he had better players around him.
“Even if you got a draft pick for him, that’s better than just putting him on the street and letting him be a free agent and getting nothing back.”
