Mike McCarthy Rumors: Former Packers HC Plans to Interview with Browns, Jets

Former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy has interviews lined up with the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets, ESPN.com's Rob Demovsky reported Tuesday.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport confirmed Demovsky's report and added McCarthy may choose to interview with only the Browns and Jets.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported earlier in the day that McCarthy had resisted overtures from the Arizona Cardinals.

Of the two teams McCarthy is considering, the Browns are arguably the more attractive landing spot.

Baker Mayfield finished his first season with 3,725 passing yards and a rookie-record 27 touchdowns, and Cleveland went 6-7 with Mayfield as the starter. The team is also projected to have $85.8 million in salary-cap space available, per Over the Cap, so the front office can add to what's already a promising young roster.

McCarthy wouldn't have to worry about being on the same page with Browns general manager John Dorsey either, since they worked together during McCarthy's first seven seasons in Green Bay.

The Jets wouldn't be a bad alternative, though. Like Cleveland, New York boasts a talented first-year quarterback and a ton of financial flexibility.

Sam Darnold appeared in 13 games, throwing for 2,865 yards and 17 touchdowns. He was particularly good down the stretch, going 80-of-125 (64 percent) for 931 yards, six touchdowns and an interception in the Jets' final four games.

McCarthy and Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan would have $106 million to spend upgrading a team that won four games in 2018.

McCarthy helped guide the Packers to a Super Bowl in 2010 and compiled a 125-77-2 record in 13 years with the team. His desire to be selective with his next step is understandable, but the Browns and Jets will have plenty of candidates from which to choose.

By limiting his choices, McCarthy risks losing out on both gigs and being relegated to watching the 2019 NFL season from home.