Jets' Bowles: McCown will be QB to beat when training camp begins

New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles said Thursday that Josh McCown will open training camp in July atop the quarterback depth chart, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.

Bowles listed McCown ahead of free-agent acquisition Teddy Bridgewater and rookie Sam Darnold, but added that nothing is concrete.

"The competition will heat up when we're in pads and when those things count," the coach said.

McCown, who performed admirably for the Jets in 13 games last year, has been the presumed leader in the clubhouse throughout the offseason, but it was Bridgewater who impressed onlookers the most at OTAs and minicamp.

The Jets have also stated numerous times that Darnold, the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, will have a serious shot at winning the starting gig.