NFL Notes: Kirk Cousins, Bears, Lions, Texans

Kirk Cousins

Former Redskins GM Scot McCloughan mentioned during an interview with 104.3 The Fan while he views QB Kirk Cousins as a “good” player, isn’t sure he’s a “special” talent.

“He’s a good player,” McCloughan said, via the Washington Post. “Is he special? I don’t see special. But also, we were still building a roster around him to make him special. Jay Gruden does a great job play-calling. [Former Washington offensive coordinator-turned-Rams coach] Sean McVay did a great job play-calling to put him in positions to be successful. He’s talented. Talent is good at quarterback in the NFL. He’s won games. I know his record overall is not over .500. I know he has not won a playoff game. But he’s competitive. He works his tail off. He’s so methodical. Every day he has planned out. He’s always in the building; he’s always watching tape; he’s always talking to coaches; he was talking to me. From the standpoint of the tangibles, they’re excellent. You just need to have some talent around him because you don’t want him to be throwing the ball 35 to 40 times to win the game. You want to have a running game, have a good defense, good [special] teams, and then let him do what he does.”

Regarding the Redskins’ situation with Cousins, McCloughan believes they’d like to have him back next season, but the franchise tag could be too prohibitive.

“The thing about it is, when I was there, we tried to get a long-term deal done and were unable to do it,” McCloughan said. “He’s respected in the building. He’s a really good football player; he’s a leader; he’s a smart guy; he does everything right. But he has all the leverage now. . . . If they tag him for a third time, that’s $34 million for one season. It’s good if you’ve got a guy that you know can win a world championship for you, but it affects the other guys, teammates, because of contracts. You’re investing so much money in one position, you’re going to lose some good players, some good young players, and that, from a GM standpoint, that’s how you have to look at it. You’d love to have him. I’m sure they’d love to have him back for another year. He’s had three solid seasons in a row, but it’s a huge investment, and it’s going to affect the team.”

We have him featured in our Top 100 – 2018 NFL Free Agents list.

Bears

• The Chicago Bears announced Friday that they’ve hired former Broncos special teams coordinator Brock Olivo as their assistant special teams coach.

Lions

• Jason La Canfora reports that the Lions are “getting deep” into hiring position coaches for Matt Patricia’s new staff.

Texans

• John McClain reports that the Texans have hired Danny Barrett as their RBs coach, promoted Anthony Midget to DBs coach and hired Tracy Smith as assistant special teams.