Quarterback Kirk Cousins is expected to become the most sought-after player when free agency begins. While Washington is planning to place the franchise tag on him, it is expected that Cousins will hit the free-agent market, especially after the Redskins acquired another veteran signal-caller Alex Smith from the Kansas City Chiefs for a 2018 third-round pick and cornerback Kendall Fuller. According to multiple reports, the New York Jets, Denver Broncos and the Arizona Cardinals are planning to pursue Cousins. The Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills and the Jacksonville Jaguars could also join the chase for Cousins, who received the franchise tag twice, earning $23.94 million last season from the Redskins.
However, there is an unexpected team that could pursue the 29-year-old Cousins, who has thrown for at least 4,000 yards and 25 touchdowns in three straight seasons.
Cowboys could make a run at Cousins
According to Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Dallas Cowboys could also make a run at Cousins despite having a starting quarterback in Dak Prescott. Williams said Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones could be intrigued by Cousins, just like what happened several years ago when he expressed interest in signing controversial signal-caller Johnny Manziel. “I know how much Jerry loves that part of the game. I could see that,” said Williams. Acquiring Cousins could mean that the Cowboys will give up easily on Prescott, who struggled in his sophomore year after leading the team to the No.
1 seed in the NFC in his rookie year. After throwing for 3,667 yards and 23 touchdowns and four interceptions in his rookie year, Prescott tallied 3,324 passing yards and 22 touchdowns with 13 interceptions as the Cowboys failed to make it to the playoffs last season.
Broncos a perfect fit for Cousins
According to Chris Wesseling of NFL.com, the Broncos could be the perfect spot for Cousins if he wants stability rather than a huge contract.
The Broncos failed to make it to the playoffs because of the struggles of their quarterbacks Trevor Siemian, Brock Osweiler, and Paxton Lynch. Cousins is widely endorsed by several Broncos players, including All-Pro linebacker Von Miller. The Broncos are preparing for a quarterback upgrade after it was reported that they are finding a trade partner for Siemian, who started in 10 of the Broncos’ 11 games last season. Siemian completed 206-of-349 passes for 2,285 yards and 12 touchdowns with 14 interceptions last season.
