McCown announced his retirement Friday, NFL.com's Marc Sessler reports.

EDGE Analysis

A 2004 fourth-round pick, the younger McCown brother made just 10 career starts despite hanging around the NFL for 13 years. He was released by the Cowboys in September and spent 2017 out of football, after serving as the top backup to Drew Brees in New Orleans from 2013 to 2016. The 36-year-old quarterback also spent time with the Browns, Buccaneers, Jaguars and Falcons. His older brother, Josh, is expected to compete for the Jets' starting job again.

McCown was released by the Cowboys on Saturday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

McCown and Kellen Moore were both beaten out by undrafted rookie Cooper Rush. As a vested veteran, McCown is immediately eligible to sign with another team.

McCown (shoulder) didn't play in Saturday's preseason win against the Colts.

EDGE Analysis

After serving solely as the holder during the Hall of Fame Game, McCown was less than inspiring in preseason Week 1 against the Rams, completing six of 13 passes for 31 yards with no touchdowns, no interceptions and two fumbles, one of which he lost. He suffered the injury in the latter outing and has subsequently been held out of practice. Because Kellen Moore has underwhelmed as well during exhibition season, undrafted rookie Cooper Rush has staked his claim to a job with impressive performances, albeit against lesser competition late in games.

McCown missed Monday's practice due to a sore shoulder that resulted from a hit in Saturday's preseason opener, Todd Archer of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Tony Romo retired, the Cowboys no longer have the fortune of an elite backup quarterback behind Dak Prescott. McCown is now competing with Kellen Moore and Cooper Rush for the role. The veteran did not do much to help his chances Saturday, as he completed just 6-of-13 passes for 31 yards. It us unclear when he injured his shoulder, so that may have played a factor in his performance. There is nothing to indicate a serious concern, but the injury should be monitored going forward.

McCown agreed to a deal with the Cowboys on Friday, Adam Caplan of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Cowboys were fortunate for the latter portion of the 2016 season to have Tony Romo providing depth at quarterback to Dak Prescott, but it looks like there will be a competition in training camp this year to determine who will play backup. McCown, who has played the backup role throughout the majority of his career, will be entering his 14th season in the league. He backed up Drew Brees in New Orleans for the last four seasons, tallying one start in the process. He proved manageable in that lone start, throwing for 335 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The veteran will compete with Kellen Moore and Cooper Rush for the role in training camp.

The Saints plan to release McCown on Wednesday, Josh Katzenstein of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

EDGE Analysis

McCown became expendable following the Saints' offseason signing of Chase Daniel, who will serve as the top backup to Drew Brees during the upcoming season. With Brees starting every game in 2016, McCown failed to see the field. The 35-year-old will look to find a home elsewhere as a depth option.

McCown was checked for a concussion after Thursday's game but the results were negative, Josh Katzenstein of the Times-Picayune reports.

EDGE Analysis

McCown had an abbreviated showing in Thursday's preseason finale, going 2-for-4 for 30 yards. However, he did take one sack during his cameo, so the Saints wanted to ensure that he didn't suffer a concussion. Fortunately, he passed through the concussion protocol and appears to be fine heading into Week 1.

McCown completed 14 of 19 passes for 118 yards, adding 25 yards on three carries in Saturday's preseason game against the Texans.

EDGE Analysis

With 2015 third-round selection Garrett Grayson failing to impress through the first two weeks of the preseason, McCown doesn't seem to be in any danger of losing the No. 2 quarterback job.

The Saints and McCown agreed to a two-year, $3 million contract Thursday, Tom Pelissero of USA Today reports.

EDGE Analysis

McCown was pressed into action in Week 3 due to an absent Drew Brees (foot), touching up the Panthers for 310 yards but no touchdowns and one interception. Thereafter, McCown completed his only other pass of the year before requiring season-ending back surgery in early November. With a deal in hand, the 35-year-old will continue to serve as insurance for Brees, who is two years McCown's senior.

McCown won't play again this season following Tuesday's back surgery, Christopher Dabe of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

EDGE Analysis

McCown was present on the injury report last week due to a lower back injury, but the severity wasn't clear until he was ruled out for an appearance in Week 9 on Friday. After an evaluation with a specialist Monday, surgery was announced for Tuesday, which will subsequently end his season. In his stead, the Saints will bring Matt Flynn into the fold to serve as Drew Brees' backup.