10 best 2016 NFL free agents
![Dec 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) gets thrown to ground by Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O Dec 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) gets thrown to ground by Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (24) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/928e43b590011b29eca031c7380f595f1df92d56a8d797fe462850f59c43616a.jpg)
10. Kirk Cousins-Washington Redskins
You might not have noticed it over the past several weeks, but Kirk Cousins has developed into an average NFL starting quarterback. He’s taken over for Robert Griffin III and captained Washington to the lead of the NFC East. That might not be the world’s greatest accomplishment, but it’s pretty good for a guy many fans thought couldn’t hack it as a starter coming into the year.
Keep in mind that positional importance plays a huge part in this list. Cousins isn’t the 10th best free agent based on pure talent, but there aren’t many good QB options on the market. In fact, I’ll be really surprised if the Redskins let Cousins hit the open market. They would be wise to make him a fair offer before he gets the chance to find out what he’s really worth to other teams.
To be fair, Cousins would also be wise to sign with the ‘Skins. I’m not sure his talent fits every NFL system, but we know it works in Washington. If he can get a multi-year deal that offers him some cash and security in the nation’s capital, he should jump on it. Bet on some tense negotiations between the two sides, but a deal ultimately getting done to keep Cousins as the starter for Washington for the next several seasons.
Next: Jason Pierre-Paul