Matthew Ross
He’s the biggest free agent out there. He will sign the richest contract in NFL history. Kirk Cousins has a lot of decisions to make – that is if Washington doesn’t franchise him for a third straight season and attempt to trade him. But at this point it’s highly doubtful. Any petty actions by D.C. would distract from what should be a time for new QB Alex Smith to get all of the attention and kind words.
Kirk Cousins Team Options
For Cousins, who has put up big numbers on mediocre teams over the last few years, this is his time to find a contending team with which he can try and win it all. Many sports analysts on ESPN and other networks have been making the point that there are a ton of teams available. But for Cousins, the decision should really only come down to two teams.
Minnesota Vikings
If the Vikings really don’t believe in Case Keenum for the long-term then they must look at Cousins. NFC Championship game aside, their defense is Super Bowl caliber. Perhaps all they need is a veteran gunslinger to get over the top. Minnesota will have to move out Keenum and Bradford in order to make room for Cousins. And his arrival could cause a rift in the lockerroom, with some players not wanting to abandon Keenum so soon.
Denver Broncos
Denver was near the bottom in the league in terms of QB position salaries in 2017 – and they got what they paid for. GM John Elway is bound to assess the available veteran quarterbacks in order to improve the position. I don’t see them drafting a QB at number 5 in the NFL draft. Whether it’s Nick Foles or Cousins or elsewhere, Denver is going to be aggressive. Cousins has to look at the Broncos defense as strong, particularly since they have a recent championship pedigree. But can the Broncos clear enough salary in order to bring in Cousins? It would be tough.
Bottom Line
Cousins has a tough decision to make and it won’t be easy. Yes, he also has clubs like the Jets, Bills and maybe even the Giants in the mix. But ultimately I think that these two teams give him the best chance at loading up for a Super Bowl run.
If I am Cousins, I am choosing Denver. They have multiple vets who have won, two Pro Bowl level wide receivers, a GM who has a history of bringing in a free agent QB to win it all and a defense who desperately need him to give them a rest. Cousins should ink with the Broncos – that is if he wants to go through the Pats every year to reach the big game.
Matthew Ross is a sports commentator and a radio host on TSN 690 Radio in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Follow him @MatthewWords.
