Washington Redskins: 3 Teams To Watch In Cousins Sweepstakes
By Erik Lambert
The Washington Redskins are staring down yet another offseason where they have to make a decision regarding quarterback Kirk Cousins.
On the surface it looks like it should be a no-brainer. The guy has led the team to a winning record in each of his two years starting. He made the playoffs in 2015 and reached his first Pro Bowl last year. What more does a guy have to do in order to get some love from his team? Nevertheless the Redskins continue to fall short of his demands for a long-term contract. This in turn has led to speculation that the team might move on from him.
In fact there is already a rumor they have another target in mind if indeed he chooses to depart.
Washington reportedly could be interested in acquiring veteran Tony Romo if they decide to trade Kirk Cousins pic.twitter.com/blYbD40meu
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 22, 2017
One can imagine how that must make Cousins feel. To give two excellent seasons to a franchise, not to mention years of stability as a backup and still not get any respect. It’s easy to understand why he might be trying to get himself out of there. Historically Washington hasn’t been a friendly place for quarterbacks. Even productive ones. In fact the franchise has never had a QB start more than three seasons during the Daniel Snyder era as owner.
That begs the question. Which teams have the best chance to employ Cousins as a starter in 2017 and perhaps beyond?
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Best equipped: Washington Redskins
Though it’s apparent that Cousins isn’t going to offer them any sort of hometown discount, the Redskins still hold the high ground for a simple reason. They can still franchise tag him for a second time. That would cost them $23.94 million for the 2017 season. One can understand why Cousins would be fine with such an idea since he went to the Pro Bowl on his first tag deal. He also goes in with the knowledge that Washington wouldn’t tag him a third time. Nonetheless the tag again buys them time to work out a long-term deal.
Biggest threat: San Francisco 49ers
Means, motive and opportunity. The San Francisco 49ers have plenty in their favor for luring Cousins out went. For one they have lots more money to offer with over $80 million in salary cap space projected. There is also the presence of Kyle Shanahan, the man who helped develop Cousins during his first two years in the NFL. Of course one must also factor in the weather. Most normal people would take California over Washington D.C. any day.
Dark horse: Chicago Bears
Don’t look so surprised. There are a number of reasons the Bears should have interest in sniping Cousins. For one their regime sorely needs a quarterback who can help them win now. John Fox is going to be on the hot seat after going 6-10 and 3-13 in his first two years. Cousins is 29-years old and coming off his first Pro Bowl. It’s an easy sell. Then there is the seldom-remembered fact that Cousins was born in Barrington, Illinois. Just 50 minutes outside of Chicago. He’s Midwest to the bone. If the Bears can meet his price (which they can) it’s a definite fit.