Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) throws the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Ravens defeated the Browns 25-20. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Browns released Josh McCown last week and the loss of his veteran presence in the quarterback room should not go unnoticed.

The Cleveland Browns released journeyman quarterback Josh McCown last week. In his two-year tenure with the Browns, McCown went an ugly 1-10, but effort was hardly the issue. McCown took a beating as a Browns quarterback, but his impact off the field is what the Browns will miss most.

Having a quality veteran quarterback in the NFL is often overlooked. Depending on the person, veteran quarterbacks offer qualitative information to a quarterback room that can help a young quarterback’s development.

A veteran can help a young quarterback adjust to the learning curve and the nuances of being an NFL quarterback. The latter is something that is overlooked and often missed in a young quarterback’s development. From eating right to studying the playbook, all aspects are important.

The releasing of Josh McCown means the Browns lost a guiding presence in their quarterback room, and it could be a more impactful loss than people think. An ugly win-loss record aside, McCown was never down about being the Browns’ quarterback.

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He was always willing to mentor young quarterbacks and teach them little things he had learned throughout his colorful NFL tenure. He came ready to play every single week and even when he wasn’t on the field, he played the role of a pseudo-QB coach on the sideline.

Like many have speculated already, the Browns are likely to take a quarterback at some point in this draft. It is unlikely that Robert Griffin III returns, so unless another quarterback is added via trade/free agency the Browns will have Cody Kessler, Kevin Hogan, and the rookie quarterback for the 2017 season.

A lot of people think that what makes a quarterback is successful is what he does on Sundays. While true, what most people don’t see is how hard a quarterback must work Monday through Saturday to prepare themselves for the game. That is where a player like Johnny Manziel fell short as a professional.

The quarterback position is easily the most important position in regards to weekly preparation. Tom Brady didn’t get to be Tom Brady by slacking Monday through Saturday. He got it by learning from veteran quarterbacks how to prepare and understand what he needed to do to be ready for their opponent that week.

A big part of the backup quarterback’s job is making sure the first-string quarterback is as prepared as he can be for the upcoming game. Even something as small as talking through what they see on film can go a long way in a young quarterback’s development.

Good evidence of that this year was McCown against Baltimore and Cody Kessler against the Miami Dolphins. Many believed Kessler wasn’t ready, but led the Browns through perhaps their most exciting stretch of football this season.

Capable backup quarterbacks are also important in terms of an insurance policy. As we saw this season with Minnesota and Teddy Bridgewater, and Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys, it is really important to make sure that your backup quarterback is able to run your offense efficiently.

A backup should prepare each week as if they are the starter, preparing to see game action. An example of lack of preparation would be our beloved Browns sending out Johnny Manziel against the Bengals in their 30-3 loss in 2014.

With the way the Browns go through quarterbacks, every quarterback could be a starter at any moment so it is tough to say if McCown was a true “backup.” However, the Browns lost a leader in the quarterback room. And when they bring in the new crop of quarterbacks this year I hope some of those lessons he taught the past two years aren’t forgotten.