New York Jets: Top 3 free agents to avoid in 2018

3 of 3

LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 17: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins looks to pass in the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at FedEx Field on December 17, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

1. Kirk Cousins

According to multiple reports, including NFL.com and ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Jimmy Garoppolo have agree to terms on a deal. It’s said to be five years, $137.5 million. That now sets the market for all of the quarterbacks in this year’s free agent class. Unfortunately, for the Jets, it should take them out of the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes.

As of now, before the Jets cut players and re-sign their own free agents, according to Spotrac, the Jets have a little over $76.8 million in cap space. The can’t be using a huge percentage of that on a B-level at-best quarterback who turns 30 years old before the end of the 2018 season.

Is Kirk Cousins a franchise quarterback? Yes. Is he worth the money? Yes. However, the Jets aren’t in the same position the some of the teams that are in the need of a quarterback are in. Teams like the Broncos and Jaguars are a quarterback away from being in contention. Frankly, the Jets aren’t.

Next: Jets: The pros and cons of signing Cousins

The combination of cap flexibility and a need for a quarterback aren’t enough to sign a 30-year-old quarterback, especially if the Redskins use the franchise tag in order to force teams to have to give up compensation for him. There’s way to much risk to try and reap the reward of Kirk Cousins.

Home/New York Jets