Jets quarterback Josh McCown said in a statement via Twitter he is unsure if he will play in 2019.
"While I still have a strong desire to continue playing," his statement read, "my family dynamics at this point are such that I would like to take more time before making the commitment to play in 2019. I have spoken to the Jets to make them aware. I'm excited about spending time with my family as we process what's next."
Update on @JoshMcCown12 pic.twitter.com/Rt2u6YzRRA
- Mike McCartney (@MikeMcCartney7) March 12, 2019
McCown, who turns 40 in July, has played 99 games for seven teams since debuting in 2002, throwing for 17,707 yards, 98 touchdowns and 82 interceptions, and going 23-53 in 76 starts.
McCown has spent the past two seasons with the Jets, starting 13 games in 2017 before suffering an injury and playing in four games last season after rookie Sam Darnold suffered a foot injury.
Last year, McCown threw for 539 yards, one touchdown and four interception and lost all three starts in Darnold's absence.
New Jets head coach Adam Gase said last month at the NFL combine that he spoke with McCown and understood how difficult it can be to balance family and football, especially at his age.
"I'm going to give him some distance," Gase said. "It's a tough decision to get up there in age, your family, he has older kids playing high school sports. That's a tough decision for him to make whether or not he wants to be away from his family still. I'm trying to give him some space."
Should McCown leave the Jets, New York has been linked to bringing in Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill to back up Darnold, whom the Jets drafted third overall last year.
As far as backup quarterbacks go, the Jets also tendered a contract to exclusive rights free agent Davis Webb, who spent last season on the practice squad.