AP: Bears Cut Backup QB McCown

CHICAGO (AP) -- The Chicago Bears have cut backup quarterback Josh McCown. Agent Mike McCartney confirmed reports that the veteran was let go, with the Bears facing a deadline Friday night to trim their roster to 53 players.

McCown was coaching quarterbacks at a North Carolina high school and hadn't taken an NFL snap since 2009 when the Bears signed him last November. Chicago was looking for help because Caleb Hanie struggled after Jay Cutler broke his right thumb, and the veteran wound up appearing in three games and starting two.

He completed 63.6 percent of his passes and earned another shot with the Bears, agreeing to a one-year deal. But with Cutler entrenched as the starter and newcomer Jason Campbell locked in as the No. 2 quarterback, Chicago decided to cut McCown.

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