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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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Dec 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Washington defeated Philadelphia 27-22. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Washington defeated Philadelphia 27-22. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jacksonville Jaguars

AFC, South

Perhaps the most intriguing trade partner for the Redskins in a deal involving Cousins would be the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jacksonville has cap space, a ton of great, young defensive players, and their own issues at quarterback.

The Jaguars should not part ways with their No. 4 overall pick, but 2018’s first-rounder could be on the table in a deal with Washington for Cousins. Jacksonville would have to send their franchise quarterback Blake Bortles to the Redskins to make this deal work. He’s had an up-and-down career in the NFL. It could be a sneaky-good pick up for Washington, as Jay Gruden knows what he’s doing with quarterbacks.

Cousins has shown that he can win in less-than-ideal football scenarios. Winning in Michigan State in college wasn’t particularly easy, but Cousins helped elevate Mark Dantonio’s program before leaving East Lansing. For as dysfunctional as the Redskins are as an organization, Cousins has made them playoff viable the last two years as a starter.

Jacksonville is desperate to get it right. The Jaguars have been a bottom-five team in football for far too long. Upgrading at quarterback from Bortles to Cousins could make Jacksonville a contender in the AFC South right away. That 2017 Jaguars defense should be a good one.

Bortles and a defensive starter for Cousins makes sense. If Washington wants to buy Bortles on the cheap, the Redskins can convince Jacksonville to throw in a pick or two from the upcoming drafts. Bortles could play better in a different environment for a strong quarterbacks coach in Gruden. Cousins could get paid, pay no state income tax in Florida, and become the best quarterback in Jacksonville since Mark Brunell.

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