NFL Trades Machine: Kirk Cousins To Buffalo?

Oct 12, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Redskins 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

There is no questions teams in the market for a quarterback in 2015 will likely find the NFL trades wire their best avenue to finding somebody at least serviceable.  Among the names drawing lots of attention is Kirk Cousins.

A 4th round pick in 2012 by the Washington Redskins, he has been a sporadic starter for them over the past three seasons.  Much of that was due to the ill health of highly touted 1st round pick Robert Griffin III but Cousins has been involved in many arguments for deserving the starting job.  Despite unrest at head coach and in the front office, he has gone through streaks of playing well.  His 3,030 yards, 18 touchdowns and 19 interceptions in 14 games isn’t half bad.

Anyone can say it’s difficult to play well when everything keeps changing from scheme to personnel and so forth.  Still, Cousins made it clear at the end of the season that he wants out if Griffin remains the starter.  Already interest from other teams is rising.

So if the Redskins are willing to deal, where will they send him?

Answer:  Buffalo Bills

The reasons are several.  First of all the Bills are rather light at quarterback.  Kyle Orton retired at the end of the season, leaving only E.J. Manuel as their notable name on the roster.  Manuel lost the starting job to Orton, which is a signal he may not be the answer they had hoped for.

Next is the state of the new coaching staff.  Rex Ryan is in town and that means Buffalo is going to continue to have great defense and boast a strong ground attack.  Based on his lessons with the Jets, Ryan would be privy to not overextending to find a quarterback in the draft.  Spending a late round pick on a young backup with some promise would be something he’d prefer.

Also count the fact that the Bills are in the AFC, guaranteeing Washington won’t have to worry about seeing Cousins very often and it’s a rather ideal scenario.  The Buffalo Bills get a young quarterback to manage their offense.  The Washington Redskins grant Kirk Cousins his wish and get a draft pick out of it.

Such is how this NFL trades scenario could work out.