The Facts: The Daily News has learned that the Jets are eying McCown in free agency to provide a viable alternative in case Geno Smith regresses.

Diehards Line: McCown, coming off an impressive season that included five starts in relief of an injured Jay Cutler, is expected to draw a fair amount of interest when free agency begins on March 11. The Jets, who are expected to release Mark Sanchez next month, believe McCown would be a quality backup. According to Daily News staffer Manish Mehta, the Jets' brain trust never truly viewed David Garrard as a viable option when Smith struggled midway through last season. Matt Simms, the No. 2 signal-caller on the depth chart, was even less experienced than Smith. Mehta has also learned that a reunion between Eagles QB Michael Vick and OC Marty Mornhinweg, who worked together for four seasons in Philadelphia, is unlikely. Texans signal-caller Matt Schaub, who is expected to be released, would be a quality option, but sources told Mehta that he isn't interested in being Smith's backup. Whatever the case, team officials are going to make sure they have a legitimate veteran quarterback that can be a short-term solution if the need arises.