In 2021, quarterback Colt McCoy added another name to the list of teams he has played for in his career. Stepping in for Kyler Murray as the Arizona Cardinals starter last year saw McCoy represent his fifth different team. Let’s look back at McCoy’s career and the franchises he has represented.
Teams Colt McCoy Has Played For
McCoy has spent more than half of his NFL career playing for teams in the NFC East, but he is spending a second spell in the NFC West after making Arizona’s roster in 2021.
- Cleveland Browns (2010-2012)
- San Francisco 49ers (2013)
- Washington Football Team (2014-2019)
- New York Giants (2020)
- Arizona Cardinals (2021-2022)
Colt McCoy Was Drafted by the Cleveland Browns
After a fantastic four-year career for the Texas Longhorns, the Cleveland Browns drafted McCoy in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He was not supposed to see the field in his rookie season, but injuries led to his first career start in Week 6.
McCoy would go on to start eight games as a rookie. Then, he earned the starting role ahead of the 2014 season. McCoy started 13 games that year before a concussion against the Pittsburgh Steelers ended his season. The Browns drafted Brandon Weeden in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, effectively relieving McCoy of his QB1 duties.
McCoy appeared in just three games in 2012 before the Browns traded him to the San Francisco 49ers. During his time with the Browns, McCoy started 21 games, finishing with a 6-15 record. He completed 58.3% of his passes for 4,388 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions.
The Second Act of His Career
Following the trade to the 49ers, McCoy would throw just one pass for the team. Then, he was given an opportunity to back up Kirk Cousins in Washington.
McCoy’s Career With Washington
McCoy’s first action for Washington saw him replace Cousins at halftime against the Tennessee Titans. McCoy led the team on a game-winning drive, and Washington named him the starter for the following week.
Despite leading the team to a second victory, McCoy was benched for the returning Robert Griffin III. Three weeks later, McCoy returned to the starting lineup for three contests, but the team scored a total of just 40 points, losing all three. McCoy’s season ended on the injured reserve after suffering a neck injury against the New York Giants.
McCoy spent five more years with the Washington organization. However, his opportunities would be limited. He played in just three combined games between 2015 and 2017, throwing a total of 11 passes in the regular season. He had the opportunity to start after Alex Smith was injured in 2018 and 2019. However, he would lose all three games he started.
At the end of his time with Washington, McCoy had a 1-6 record. He completed 68.2% of his passes for 1,679 yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
McCoy Spent 2020 With the New York Giants
After his time in Washington ended, McCoy signed with the Giants. With Daniel Jones struggling with an injury late in the season, McCoy made two starts and two other appearances. He finished the year with a 1-1 record, completing 60.6% of his passes with one touchdown and one interception.
A Return to the NFC West
After McCoy’s contract expired in New York, he signed with the Cardinals in March of 2021. He saw action in eight games, starting three of them. He completed 74 of 99 pass attempts (74.7% completion rate) for 740 yards with three scores and one pick. In those three starts, the Cardinals went 2-1.
During the 2022 offseason, McCoy re-signed with the Cardinals on a two-year deal worth $7.5 million. A total of $6 million is guaranteed at signing.