Free agency in the NFL has been going crazy and the quarterback carousel is going crazy now. After the Washington Redskins traded for Alex Smith, Kirk Cousins days were numbered. Washington had put the franchise tag on Cousins the past two years. For me, it’s crazy that the Redskins never gave Cousins a long-term deal as he’s been one of the most accurate passers in the league. Last year, he still put up great numbers despite losing DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon and having Jordan Reed for the good part of the year. Cousins, 29, has been one of the NFL’s most productive quarterbacks since becoming Washington’s full-time starter three years ago. During that time, he has ranked fourth in passing yards, sixth in passer rating, seventh in Total QBR and eighth in touchdown passes.
In 2017, Cousins topped the 4,000-yard mark for the third straight season. He finished with 4,093 passing yards, 27 touchdowns and 13 interceptions — and a Total QBR of 52.3, his lowest as the full-time starter. The 2012 fourth-round pick went from the backup to Robert Griffin III– starting nine games in his first three seasons — to a productive starter during his time in Washington. In 2015, his first year as the starter, he helped lead the Redskins to the NFC East title by throwing 23 touchdowns to three interceptions over the final 10 games — starting with the “You like that?!” comeback win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He finished that season with 29 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and a franchise-record 4,166 yards.
Former Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins plans to sign a three-year, fully guaranteed $84 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday, sources tell ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The landmark deal will make Cousins the highest-paid quarterback in the league. After that season, Washington and Cousins couldn’t agree on a long-term deal, so the team placed the franchise tag on him. Cousins responded by again breaking the franchise record with 4,917 passing yards to go along with 25 touchdowns and 12 interceptions and a Pro Bowl berth. But Washington missed the playoffs by losing their regular-season finale at home to the New York Giants.
That led to yet another franchise tag, as Cousins told the Redskins he wasn’t ready to commit long term and wanted to gauge the direction of the franchise. It was clear by season’s end in 2017 that both sides wanted to avoid another one-year tag.
My Conclusion
Many people are not fans of Cousins, but I tend to like him as a QB. Coming out of college when he and RG3 was drafted by the Redskins I said he’s the better QB. With the weapons Minnesota have, Cousins could be the missing piece for the Vikings to make a Super Bowl run next season. About a month and a half ago, Minnesota was my top choice for Cousins to go.
What do you think about Cousins signing with Minnesota? Do you think he’s the missing piece? Can Minnesota repeat their magical season next year? Leave a comment below.
