Kirk Cousins continues to be a name that will circulate the NFL circles when the offseason comes. While two teams, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Los Angeles Rams, have possibly gotten their quarterback situation under control and are no longer interested in Cousins, there are plenty of other teams that might possibly be in the mix for an upgrade to the quarterback position, and I’ll give you a couple of options where Cousins could possibly go.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals have an aging quarterback in Carson Palmer, who could possibly retire after this season. If that’s the case, would the Cardinals possibly be open to bringing aboard a proven quarterback and leader? Possibly. They have a very capable offense, led by a great running back in David Johnson, and they do add money to the cap if Palmer does indeed decide to retire.
Remember, this is only an option if Palmer retires. If he doesn’t, then they’re out of the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes because they’re committed to Palmer for the rest of his career (at least financially). I doubt he’ll be the one to win them a Super Bowl, but the Cardinals will take their chances on Palmer if he decides to return.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos currently sit at 3-7 and a lot of that bad record can be attributed to the play at the quarterback postion.
After starting off looking capable, Trevor Siemian regressed tremendously. He is a very applicable backup but clearly is not a starter in this league. Surprisingly, Brock Osweiler has been an upgrade over the past three weeks, but he is not the long-term answer and may not even finish out the season under center.
That brings us to Paxton Lynch. Lynch has started in two NFL games in his year and a half career. The Broncos knew that he would be a project when they drafted him 26th overall in the 2016 draft, but fans are growing restless, and his pocket presence and downfield vision seemingly had not improved much in training camp. If he does not prove himself as the foreseeable starter of the future BEFORE this season ends, the Broncos may have to look elsewhere.
The Broncos have a lot of offensive weapons and a lot of guys that can put the ball in the end zone, but you need a quarterback that can get you the ball, and the three guys they currently have, have not proven that this season. Kirk Cousins, however, may be the answer and would definitely be a better option than what they have already thrown out there.
The Denver Broncos were one of the best teams in the NFL when Peyton Manning was there. If Cousins can come in and be their quarterback of the future, there’s a big bright spot for Broncos fans.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are a big surprise this season, coming out of the gate at 6-3. They’ve had great success this season, thanks in part to that surprising offense, led by running back Leonard Fournette. But like with every great team, there’s always a problem and with the Jacksonville Jaguars, it’s at the quarterback position.
Blake Bortles is not the best quarterback option. He’s the same guy we’ve seen time after time after time. Not enough quality starts and not enough chances to give his team the option to win. Kirk Cousins, however, may be that answer and could possibly give this team a better option to move the ball downfield than Bortles has done.
The Jags have all the pieces. A tremendous defense (maybe one of the best we have seen since the 2015 Broncos), and stout running attack, a talented receiving corps, a veteran coach, and a strong front office. Kirk Cousins is the missing piece that would make this team a legit contender.
Cleveland Browns
If I am the General Manager of the Cleveland Browns I am doing everything that I can to get Kirk Cousins. DeShone Kizer has shown glimpses this season, but Browns fans are sick and tired of “glimpses.” Surprisingly, the Browns have a decent roster from top to bottom. You might not think so after a 0-10 start but perhaps a coaching change and the signing of an undoubted leader could be the saving that the franchise needs.
But let’s get to the real meat of the issue. The Browns will have roughly, $46.6 million in cap space next year, which ranks 5th in 2018. A young corps has been built, on paper, the offensive line is trending up, the team has a ton of draft picks and now they just need their leader. The Browns should go out and make Cousins the highest paid player in NFL history.
Will Kirk Cousins Actually Move?
Now we get to Cousins’ current home, the Washington Redskins. After being franchise tagged the previous two seasons’, has the relationship between both parties been tarnished? It looks as though the Redskins will miss the playoffs again this season so a change may be inevitable.
One thing the Redskins do have on their side is money. They will have the third most cap space in 2018 according to Spotrac so signing Cousin’s to a long-term deal seemingly would not be a problem, however, they will have quite a few free agents entering the offseason. This will come down to Cousin’s and head coach Jay Gruden’s relationship, and if management and Cousins can finally come to a long-term marriage, after years of trying. Conventional wisdom says that living together before getting married has finally run its course and it may be time to move on.