Quarterback Josh McCown will make the same amount in his first year in Cleveland as he was slated to make in Tampa Bay before the Buccaneers released him.

His three-year contract with the Browns is worth $14 million, with $5.25 million due in 2015, according to reports. Overall, the deal guarantees $6.25 million and could be worth up to $20 million.

McCown chose the Cleveland Browns over the Buffalo Bills on Friday.

His agent, Mike McCartney, tweeted news of the agreement: “Excited for Josh McCown agreeing to terms with the Cleveland Browns.”

McCown, a 12-year veteran released by the Buccaneers on Feb. 11, had talked with the Chicago Bears and New York Jets as well, and he reportedly was close to a deal with the Bills on Thursday before the Browns began recruiting him heavily.

“Josh is a high-character, savvy, veteran quarterback that has a lot to offer to our team,” coach Mike Pettine said. “When you hear from people that have been around Josh, they speak of the leadership qualities and the positive impact he has on a locker room. I really enjoyed spending time with him during his visit. He has great passion for playing the quarterback position and wants to show that he can still be successful in this league.”

A third-round draft pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2002, McCown has played for six teams in 13 seasons. He started 11 games for Tampa Bay in 2014, completing 56.3 percent of his passes for 2,206 yards, 11 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.

McCown, 35, appears to be the Browns’ starter for now, with 2014 first-round pick Johnny Manziel in rehab and 2014 starter Brian Hoyer a pending free agent.

“I just want to serve our team and help everybody in that locker room,” McCown said, “do my best to help everybody in the locker room be better at their job. And they’re going to help me, too. It’s a two-way street. I’m just excited about coming in and being a part of a team.”

McCown worked with new offensive coordinator John DeFilippo when they both were in Oakland in 2007.

“Obviously, he is a quarterback that has been in a number of systems and he has worked with (DeFilippo), so there is some good familiarity between the two,” Pettine said. “We are excited to have him become part of our team and we look forward to him playing an important role in our offense.”