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Kirk Cousins trade rumors: 5 best destinations

By John Buhler

Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) in action during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) in action during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Redskins may have offered quarterback Kirk Cousins a five-year deal, but he may not take it. Here are five landing spots should he be traded.

It has been a strange offseason to say the least for the Washington Redskins. The organization parted ways with general manager Scot McCloughan before the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. They have also had this ongoing debate about whether to re-sign starting quarterback Kirk Cousins on a long-term deal.

While the Monday Morning Quarterback’s Albert Breer reported that Washington have offered Cousins a five-year extension, there is still a good chance he could walk in unrestricted free agency in 2018. Washington has franchise tagged Cousins twice in the last two years. He doesn’t seem to care for the run-around that the Washington brass is giving him.

Since Cousins could theoretically walk next spring, it may be advantageous for Washington to trade Cousins this offseason at peak value if the organization isn’t sold on him being their franchise quarterback. Should Washington look to trade Cousins, here are five landing spots for the Washington signal-caller this offseason.

5

Arizona Cardinals

NFC, West

The Arizona Cardinals have a starting quarterback in Carson Palmer. However, he may only play through the 2017 NFL season. Palmer can carry Arizona deep into the NFC Playoffs when healthy, but lower-body injuries are quickly bringing his NFL to a close.

In short, Arizona general manager Steve Keim has to find a suitable long-term replacement for Palmer as soon as possible. The Cardinals could target a quarterback in the first-round of the 2017 NFL Draft, but even then he may need a few years to develop.

By trading for Cousins, Arizona could have a Pro Bowl level starting quarterback that would make the club a viable contender in the NFC West immediately with the rival Seattle Seahawks. Cousins’ arrival in Glendale might make the Cardinals a dark horse to get to Super Bowl LII. If the Cardinals and Cousins could put together a long-term deal, Arizona could be an NFC playoff contender for the next five years.

Arizona has to realize that the quarterback gap between Kurt Warner and Palmer was painful to endure. Cousins may not be a future hall of famer under center for the Cardinals, but would keep their championship window open for the foreseeable future.

To make this trade work, Arizona would have to concede this year’s No. 13 overall pick, presumably Palmer for salary cap purposes, and maybe a young defensive linemen. This trade would allow Washington to have the ammunition to either land or trade up for a franchise quarterback of their choice in the 2017 NFL Draft. Cousins would thrive playing under Bruce Arians in Glendale.

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