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New York Jets: Top 5 targets for 2018 NFL free agency

By Michael Pallas

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 23: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins throws on the third down against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 23: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins throws on the third down against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on October 23, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Kirk Cousins Washington Redskins
LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 23: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins warms up before a game against the New York Giants at FedExField on November 23, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

2. Kirk Cousins, QB

When it comes to the quarterback position for the New York Jets, there are a lot of disturbing numbers. There have been 104 different players start at quarterback in 58 seasons. Four of those men were the opening day starter for at least four consecutive seasons, and Mark Sanchez was one of those men. The other three were Joe Namath, Richard Todd and Ken O’Brien.

Ten times in 58 season the Jets have had three different starting quarterbacks during the season. It’s time for some stability at the quarterback position. The Washington Redskins do have the option to franchise tag Cousins again, but that’s highly unlikely. If they tag him it will likely be a transition tag, which would cost the Jets a draft pick.

That said, if he hits the open market, he’s likely to command huge dollars. Right now, according to Over the Cap, the Jets will have $75,671,976 in cap space for 2018. They will have the means to sign Cousins, especially if Washington doesn’t tag him at all. However, as SB Nation’s Hogs Heaven reported:

"The Non-exclusive Franchise Tag provides the most palatable option for the Redskins. They have the right of first refusal, but if a team offers a crazy contract that the Redskins don’t want to match, they have the leverage to get very good value in return in the form of multiple draft picks."

It would be better to have Cousins and not settle for a draft pick that they hope can turn into someone that can lead them to a Super Bowl. He has proven to be a viable NFL quarterback, and it’s time the Jets make the right move rather than settle for the safe one.

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