Kirk Cousins: The Million Dollar Man
In case you lived under a rock these past few years, Kirk Cousins is the starting quarterback for the Washington Redskins and is set to become a free agent. Last year, he was in a similar situation when he led his team to an NFC East title. The Redskins and Cousins couldn’t agree to an extension, so they used the franchise tag and opted to pay the quarterback $20 million for his services in 2016.
The 2016 season concluded differently from the year prior. Washington missed the postseason despite controlling their own destiny. They lost two out of their last three games with both those losses coming at home and the finale was against the New York Giants, who already locked up a spot in the postseason.
Cousins threw away the game and the playoffs with a late interception, but did he also throw away money?
The Redskins have a major decision to make whether to sign Cousins to a multiyear contract, use the franchise tag again (costing nearly $30 million) or let him walk. If Cousins walks, the Cleveland Browns should open their wallets and negotiate a deal. I have been sold on the Michigan State product since the 2012 draft. The Browns made five picks before Cousins was taken 102nd overall and sadly none of those players are still in Cleveland.
Trent Richardson – 3rd overall
Brandon Weeden – 22nd overall
Mitchell Schwartz – 37th overall
John Hughes – 87th overall
Travis Benjamin – 100th overall
I loved the Richardson pick even though he was a one year wonder, but Cleveland botched the 2012 draft by selecting Weeden. End side rant.
Five seasons later and Cousins has developed into a legit quarterback. He knows how to manage a game and isn’t afraid of the moment. He has seven career fourth quarter comebacks, six in the past two seasons and four this year. Kirk is a true field general when it comes to rallying the troops. His play elevates his teammates and they come through time and time again on third down, converting 45% of the time.
Washington finished second in the league with 297.4 passing yards per game only trailing the New Orleans Saints (317.1). Cousins was ranked third with 4,917 yards behind Drew Brees and Matt Ryan. His touchdown to interception ratio was 25:12
All three Cleveland quarterbacks accounted for 3,366 yards, 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. That should be enough said, but I’ll continue. The Browns need a quarterback now. Forget drafting a quarterback and grooming him. Jimmy Garoppolo may be available for trade, but I haven’t seen enough to be convinced. Kirk Cousins is the real deal so if he becomes available, then tell me, why not?
Image Credited to: www.cbs.com
About Author
