seventh start back against the Houston Texans on December 18, he suffered an injury early in the first quarter and stayed in the game for two more series before being relieved by McCown, but McCown also ended up leaving the game with flu-like symptoms at halftime and was replaced by John Navarre. McCown then started the final two games of the season. He played in 9 games, starting 6, in 2005 and completed 163 of 279 passes for 1,836 and 9 touchdowns with 11 interceptions. He also rushed 29 times for 139 yards. The Cardinals finished the year 3rd in the NFC West with a 5–11 record and were 3–3 in games that McCown started. The Cardinals also led the league in passing offense in 2005 with 4,437 yards, with Warner throwing for 2,713 yards, McCown throwing for 1,836 yards and Navarre throwing for 174 yards. McCown became a free agent after the 2005 season. He played in 33 games, starting 22, during his tenure with the team, and completed 498 of 862 passes for 5,431 yards and 25 touchdowns with 29 interceptions. He also rushed 94 times for 429 yards and three touchdowns. The Cardinals were 10–12 in games that McCown started. Detroit Lions In March 2006, McCown signed a two-year contract worth $6 million with the Detroit Lions, believing he would have the chance to start. In July, however, Jon Kitna was named the starter entering training camp, and McCown was named the backup. McCown was Kitna's backup for all 16 games in 2006. During the season, McCown began running wide-receiver routes during practice and became skilled at it. He lined up at wide receiver for one play against the Arizona Cardinals on November 19. He saw extended time at wide receiver during the game against the New England Patriots on December 3. McCown was inserted into the game as the third wide receiver and was targeted twice, catching both passes for a total of 15 yards. He also had a 31-yard reception, but it was brought back after McCown was called for offensive pass interference. In reference to playing wide receiver, McCown later said, "It was a surreal moment and it changed my whole perception and respect for receivers." After the 2006 season, McCown asked to be traded. His agent, Michael McCartney, said, "Josh sees himself as a starting quarterback, and I agree with him." On April