Ranking starting quarterbacks for each NFL team

16. Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins

This will be a critical year for the Redskins at quarterback, as they will find out if Cousins is franchise material or not.

The Griffin III era came to an end without the former second overall pick playing a single snap in 2015. Washington cut Griffin III last month to save cap space as they try to move on from a disastrous trade that cost them first round picks in both 2013 and 2014.

That turned the starting role over to Cousins, who had appeared in 11 games prior to 2015 with up-and-down results. After getting off to a hot start in his NFL Career in 2013, Cousins struggled the next two seasons when pressed into action.

Cousins responded to the full-time starting by surprisingly throwing for over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns, good enough to lead the Redskins to the postseason. Overall, Cousins had one of the best seasons by a quarterback not named Brady or Newton.

As Cousins’ contract was up, Washington had to decide if they wanted to give Cousins a long-term contract. The Redskins wisely decided to franchise tag him, meaning Cousins has to prove he wasn’t just a one-year flash in the pan to earn the long-term starting role.

As impressive as Cousins was in 2016, there’s still some uncertainty there. If Cousins plays that well again in next season, he could be a top-10 NFL starter for years to come.

Next: 15. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens