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Kirk Cousins: 5 best fits in NFL free agency

By John Buhler

Sep 25, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws the ball prior to the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws the ball prior to the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 30, 2016; London, United Kingdom; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) scrambles during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; London, United Kingdom; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) scrambles during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chicago Bears

NFC, North

There is reason to believe that the Chicago Bears could be one of the bad teams from 2016 that pop in 2017. Chicago has the No. 3 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. While they could go quarterback at No. 3, it might be in their best interest to see if they can’t sign Cousins in free agency. That way, Chicago could go with the best player available at No. 3 in this spring’s draft.

With the Redskins, Cousins has shown that he has the arm strength to compete in cold-weather climates. He doesn’t have a gun for a right arm, but his passes do cut through the wind. Cousins has proven the last two years in Washington that he can lead a playoff-caliber team annually.

He would be a more consistent play over Bears starter Jay Cutler. Frankly, wouldn’t Cousins be the prototype ceiling for third-stringer Matt Barkley anyway? Bears head coach John Fox could use that No. 3 pick on DeShone Kizer, Mitch Trubisky, or Deshaun Watson, but would he be able to see his franchise quarterback develop before getting canned? Fox needs to win in 2017 and Cousins would make that much easier.

The Bears have ample cap space heading into 2017 NFL free agency. Chicago has $58,711,446 to work with in free agency this spring. The Bears are one of a few teams that can put together a competitive contract offer for Cousins.

Chicago would actually be a halfway decent spot to land Cousins. There are only three issues with Cousins to the Bears: 1.) Would his accuracy decrease playing eight games in Soldier Field annually? 2.) The Bears’ continued dysfunction as an organization. 3.) Chicago has a ton of holes to fill besides quarterback in free agency. If Cousins leaves Washington, expect the Bears to be one of the teams on his short list.

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