Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland expects Redskins backup QB Kirk Cousins to be the Browns “top target” this offseason when it comes to the quarterback position.
Last year, reports mentioned that the Browns nearly completed a trade for Cousins that would have sent a fourth-round pick to Washington. However, the Redskins were holding out for a second-round selection.
Former Redskins OC Kyle Shanahan is running the Browns’ offense and has reportedly been a supporter of Cousins since he entered the league back in 2012.
Dianna Marie Russini reports that Cousins wants to be traded if Robert Griffin III is named the team’s starting quarterback next year. Although, Cousins downplayed the report later on in the day.
“I love Washington, I’m happy here, and if I’m the backup for the fourth consecutive year here, I’ll roll with it,” Cousins said, per Zac Boyer. “That’s the message I want out – not anything about demanding anything, because that’s just not reality.”
Cleveland still needs to make a decision about impending free agent QB Brian Hoyer, who has said that he would like to be back with the Browns, even if Johnny Manziel remains on their roster.
Manziel is, of course, the wildcard in this situation given that the Browns used a first-round pick on him back in May.
Cousins, 26, still has one year remaining on his four-year, $2,572,688 rookie contract. He’ll make a reasonable base salary of $660,000 in 2015 before testing the open market the following year.
In 2014, Cousins appeared in six games and threw for 1,710 yards while completing 61.8 percent of his passes to go along with 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
This figures to be a topic that we’ll be hearing more about in the coming months.
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A 3rd pick or 4th would have been better then selecting Johnny #22 overall. A big mistake made by the front office that will set back the Browns another 2 years if moves are not made in free agency to set themselves up for draft. Trade Gordon to Washington for Kirk, killing to birds with one stone. Getting rid of your cancer (showing Gilbert and Johnny they are not playing around) and picking up a good QB. This will save your draft picks for OL, WR, and DL…