Dallas Cowboys' 'mutual interest' in Josh McCown could be 'factor' for Tony Romo

Feb. 27 (UPI) -- Another sign of Tony Romo's departure from the Dallas Cowboys could be if the team reaches a deal with quarterback Josh McCown.

The veteran gunslinger is interested in signing with the team and the Cowboys are also interested in bringing him onboard as a backup to Dak Prescott, according to ESPN's Ed Werder.

Werder tweeted about the "mutual interest" and said that a Romo decision "must come first."

McCown made an appearance last week on SiriusXM NFL Radio with Ross Tucker and Greg McElroy where he said he has had "good conversations with four or five teams" this offseason.

The Cleveland Browns cut McCown on Feb. 7 after two seasons with the team. He completed 276-of-457 passes for 3,209 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions for the Browns. McCown owns a 2-20 record as a starter in his last three seasons.

The 37-year-old has played 14 seasons for the Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Oakland Raiders, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Browns. McCown was due $4.375 million this season.

In December, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the Browns and coach Hue Jackson would be interested in hiring McCown as a coach after he retires.

The 36-year-old Romo continues to be the hottest topic in free agency.