New York Jets: Pros and cons of signing Kirk Cousins
The New York Jets signing Kirk Cousins could set their team in motion to a Super Bowl, or they could end up with egg on their faces. Let’s weigh their options.
The New York Jets are on the precipice of the biggest decision they can make this offseason. On Feb. 5, teams were allowed to begin roster cuts, and likely the Jets will start making some soon.
The weirdest situation arose, though. The Washington Redskins do have the option to use the franchise tag on him, yet again, and that would make things interesting, because they can use the non-exclusive franchise tag on him. The tag would cost the Redskins $34.47 million, but it would do two things for them.
It would give them control on where he ends up, and they wouldn’t lose him for nothing. That’s a huge risk for Washington to take, but they might take it. If they do, the Jets shouldn’t make an offer.
However if he does hit the market, ESPN’s Dan Graziano made a bold prediction concerning the Jets and the contract for Cousins:
"It’s a six-year, $186 million contract with $100 million in guarantees, including $75 million fully guaranteed at signing. The Jets outbid the Browns, Jaguars and division-rival Bills for Cousins, who becomes the highest-paid player in NFL history after hitting the market following two seasons as Washington’s franchise player. He then leads the Jets to a 10-6 record and a wild-card playoff spot."
Let’s weigh the pros and cons of making this signing.
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Pro: Known commodity
As opposed to drafting a player high and hoping, you will get a known B-level quarterback in the NFL. That’s always a plus. You know what’s he capable of and at the NFL level.
Con: The money
As the Graziano prediction eludes to, it’s going to cost the Jets a pretty penny to get Cousins. If it doesn’t work out long-term, the Jets could be in salary cap hell for a while, or even worse, they could be stuck with a quarterback they don’t want.
Pro: Cold weather quarterback
If the Jets make consistent playoff runs with Cousins, they know they have a guy who can play in the cold. Unlike Alex Smith, who’s numbers seem to diminish as the days get colder, Cousins play doesn’t differ as much from September to December.
Con: Age
Cousins will turn 30 during the offseason. While he’s still in the prime of his career, by the end of the contract he won’t be. He may only have two or three years left of the Cousins we’ve seen from 2015-2017. So, the Jets should tread lightly.
If you want to compare to the last time a quality quarterback hit the market, Drew Brees was 26 at the time, and he gave the Saints three playoff appearances in five years and a Super Bowl title. Is Cousins capable of that?
Next: Kirk Cousins: 7 Landing spots after Alex Smith trade
In the end, this is about one thing with Kirk Cousins. What are your expectations, and is he capable of living up to those? When it comes to weighing the pros and cons, it’s even. The Jets better make the correct choice, or they will be regretting it for a long time.