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Lions rumors: Detroit interested in QB Luke McCown?

The Detroit Lions have reportedly shown some interest in a potential backup quarterback.

Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sport

With Shaun Hill visiting the St. Louis Rams on Monday, it's entirely possible that the Detroit Lions will have a new backup quarterback in 2014. Hill also visited the Rams a couple years ago before ultimately re-signing with the Lions, but it's a real possibility that he could join St. Louis this time around.

If Hill does indeed decide to sign with the Rams, the Lions' backup backup quarterback plan appears to be Luke McCown. According to the Free Press' Dave Birkett, the Lions "expressed interest" in McCown when the negotiating period for free agents took place earlier this month, so he could be an option if Hill does indeed land elsewhere.

So why McCown? He was the New Orleans Saints' backup quarterback last season, meaning Lions offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi coached him. McCown previously spent time with the Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cleveland Browns, which drafted him in the fourth round in 2004.

McCown, who is Josh McCown's younger brother, hasn't really gotten serious playing time since 2011. That year, he made two starts for the Jaguars and completed 30 of his 56 passes for 296 yards, 0 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. During his career, McCown has thrown for 2,035 yards, 9 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, and he hasn't actually scored a touchdown since 2007.

Those numbers certainly aren't impressive, but I suppose someone like McCown, who at least has experience, is a better backup option than someone like Kellen Moore, who is completely unproven.

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