The Washington Redskins gave quarterback Kirk Cousins the franchise tag last month -- and he signed it on Friday -- locking him in to at least another year with the team. Now, however, Cousins has asked for a trade, appealing directly to owner Dan Snyder, sources told ESPN's Chris Mortensen.
Though Snyder told Cousins not to anticipate a trade and the signal-caller can't negotiate the trade, it puts Washington in a precarious position. Should it seek a trade and try to get something for Cousins, or should it play out the situation with him and hope he doesn't bolt for another team in free agency in 2018?
We asked our panel of six NFL Insiders to weigh in on what Washington should do, which teams might be interested in Cousins -- a reunion with Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco, perhaps? -- and more.
Which teams should inquire about trading for Cousins?
Matt Bowen, NFL writer: The San Francisco 49ers and Cleveland Browns. Both teams have a need at the position and the cap room to sign Cousins to a long-term contract. But I also look at the teaching and game-planning ability of Shanahan and Hue Jackson. You want a QB to reach his ceiling? Put him with a coach who is going to maximize his talent through fundamentals and scheme. I think both Shanahan and Jackson would elevate Cousins' game.
John Clayton, senior NFL writer: The only team that should inquire is San Francisco. Any other team will be wasting its time. Shanahan wants Cousins, and he knows he can get the QB in free agency next year. You get the feeling Shanahan and the 49ers wouldn't mind paying Cousins more than $25 million a year in 2018. Shanahan believes in him. Cousins and Shanahan have a history together. Sure, Cousins could put himself to the highest bidder. Other bidders will just be wasting time. He's going to be a Niner by next year.
Mike Sando, senior NFL writer: The 49ers and Browns would be logical destinations. Both have cap flexibility. Cleveland in particular has the draft capital to make a trade. Cousins has played for Shanahan previously. Cousins' current coach, Jay Gruden, worked with Jackson in Cincinnati over the 2012-13 seasons. Those ties could help smooth a transition.
Kevin Seifert, national NFL writer: You could probably click through 10 teams that would consider Cousins a major upgrade, even at a premium price. The 49ers, given their cap situation and the presence of Shanahan, should lead any charge. The Browns, Bears, Texans and Broncos are among the teams that would be smart to get involved, if it comes to that.
Field Yates, NFL insider: Let's not overthink this: San Francisco. The link between Cousins and Shanahan is well established. That's always a reasonable starting point for quarterback acquisitions. Cousins has his share of detractors -- especially when viewed through the prism of a top-of-the-market quarterback deal -- but he has been well above average of the past two seasons, has leadership traits, excellent deep ball accuracy, and the 49ers have an immense need, despite signing Brian Hoyer.
What's he worth in a trade?
Bowen: Cousins is a starting QB in his prime playing years with two straight seasons of high-level production. For Snyder and the Redskins, the return has to be nothing less than a first-round pick this season and possibly another high-round pick in 2018. Cousins won't (and shouldn't) come cheap for a team that wants to make a deal.
Clayton: For a team near the top of the draft, he's worth a second-round pick in 2017 and a second or third in 2018. The trade would resemble the Alex Smith deal in 2013. Teams in the top five won't give up a top five pick. They are too valuable. If the team acquiring Cousins drafts between 10 and 20 in the first round, then you are talking about a first and maybe a fourth. That would resemble the Sam Bradford trade.
Sando: The Redskins would need to get compensation valued at no less than a first-round choice to feel OK about making this move. Additional picks and/or players would certainly help.
Seifert: Any deal would have to take into account that Cousins will be one of the NFL's highest-paid players when this process is over. If you're the Redskins, you're giving up a 29-year-old quarterback who has been durable and thrown for more than 9,000 yards in two seasons. You're also forgoing a guaranteed 2017 season with him; he can't leave without the Redskins' consent. A first-round pick plus a significant pick in 2018 -- the 49ers have the the No. 2 overall pick in April's draft -- would be the baseline of discussions.
Yates: The circumstances matter here. Obviously a player on the non-exclusive franchise tag would fetch two first-round picks if a deal is agreed to and his incumbent team does not match. With the exclusive franchise tag involved, the parameters on a trade are not set. Washington would almost assuredly ask for a first-round pick and more. The value of a first-round pick fluctuates based off where it falls in the round, so that's a factor to consider too. Cousins would not come cheap.
Should Washington give in and consider a trade?
Bowen: Emotions always play a big role with players in this business when they feel a lack of respect from ownership. Moving on from Cousins would signal a rebuild in the locker room at Redskins Park, however. That impacts team culture and the overall identity of the franchise. Unless Washington gets a top-level offer for Cousins, finding a way to patch up the relationship is the best course of action.
Clayton: The Redskins shouldn't trade him. They need to follow the lead of the Buffalo Bills, who elected to restructure Tyrod Taylor's contract. The Bills realized the quarterback market isn't any good. For the Bills, Taylor was better than what they might have acquired in free agency or the draft. The same applies to the Redskins. They can make a playoff run with Cousins this year and have a better quarterback market available next year. I still contend Cousins will be a 49er in 2018. The Redskins have to start planning for beyond this season.
Sando: The Redskins should keep Cousins for now and rebuild their relationship with him. They should see what opportunities come along as the draft nears and continually reassess their options. If they get an offer they cannot refuse, take it. I would be tempted to let Cousins investigate trade options if it helped figure out what options existed.
Seifert: No, not unless they are blown away by an offer. It can can take a decade or more to find a franchise quarterback. The Redskins have one and, while he is not thrilled by the situation now, moods can change over time. They should exhaust every avenue for fixing this before deciding to cut bait.
Yates: No. The opportunity cost for moving on from a quarterback is essential. Trading Cousins could result in an organizational reset. While Washington carries a favorable view of Colt McCoy, Cousins has been franchise-tagged in consecutive offseasons for a reason: He is a quarterback the offense can be built around. There are simply so few viable quarterback options in the NFL that I am rarely an advocate for trading away a starter, especially one at Cousins' age with his recent performance.