Report: Luke McCown visited Colts today

The Colts have been quiet in free agency so far, but one move they might very well be looking to make is to sign a backup quarterback for Andrew Luck.  Scott Tolzien is reportedly visiting the team today and tomorrow, while ESPN's Field Yates later reported that former Saints backup Luke McCown also visited the team today.

McCown has been in the NFL for several years, as he was drafted in 2004 in the fourth round by the Cleveland Browns out of Louisiana Tech.  After one season in Cleveland, he was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he spent four seasons (2005-2008).  He was then traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2009 and spent the next three seasons there (2009-2011).  In 2012, he signed with the New Orleans Saints but was cut at the end of the preseason and then signed by the Falcons.  After one year in Atlanta, he signed again with the Saints and has been their backup for the past three seasons (2013-2015).  McCown's 2015 season ended early due to a back injury, and his contract expired on Wednesday, making him a free agent.  During his ten-year career, McCown has played in 62 games (starting ten) and has completed 216 of 356 passes (60.7%) for 2,370 yards (6.7 yards per attempt), nine touchdowns, and 15 interceptions for a passer rating of 71.3.

The Colts need a backup for Andrew Luck after letting Matt Hasselbeck walk (he retired and joined ESPN) and after releasing Josh Freeman, as the only quarterback left on the roster besides Luck is Stephen Morris.  The team signed him last year with the sole purpose of looking toward the future, but it's clear they also know they need to add another quarterback.  They showed interest in Drew Stanton before he re-signed with the Cardinals, and as already mentioned, they also reportedly have former Packers backup Scott Tolzien in Indy today for a visit.  Luke McCown presents another option for the team to fill the role of Luck's backup.

The hope is that the backup won't have to see action, but as 2015 reminded the Colts very harshly, injuries are a part of the NFL and having a guy who is capable of stepping in if the starter is hurt is important.  Luke McCown did that for the Saints last year, as he started one game in place of Drew Brees and completed 31 of 38 passes (81.68%) for 310 yards and an interception.  It remains to be seen who the Colts will sign as their backup quarterback, but it's very clear that they are interested in getting the role filled.

UPDATE: Luke McCown re-signed with the Saints on Thursday night on a two-year, $3 million deal, so he obviously won't be joining the Colts as their backup quarterback.