NFL Notes: Kirk Cousins, Bills, Broncos, Panthers

Kirk Cousins

Former Redskins HC Mike Shanahan tells Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News that there’s no question in his mind that QB Kirk Cousins is a “special player.”

“There’s no question in my mind that he’s a special player,” Shanahan said Monday. “If you don’t think he’s a special player, that means you don’t watch him practice very often. You take a look at some of the games he’s played in. He hasn’t played with a good defense that’s been in the upper half of the league, I don’t think, since he’s been there. You can’t always do it by yourself. You got to have an offense and a defense for a quarterback to be really successful… especially when you get in the playoffs. But I guarantee you he’s a special guy.”

Shanahan believes Cousins would be a good fit in the Jets’ offensive if they end up promoting Jeremy Bates to offensive coordinator, which has been reported.

“I think Kirk Cousins could be successful in any offense that he ran,” Shanahan said. “Those quarterbacks are hard to find. But everybody needs playmakers around them. I think that’s what everybody else’s job is… to get those coaches the best supporting cast. But it starts with the quarterback. When you have a guy like Kirk Cousins on your team — and you can get a supporting cast for him — he’ll play well.”

Bills

• Bills defensive line coach Mike Waufle is retiring and cited being in “constant pain” from his playing career as part of the reason to call it a career. (Mike Rodak)
• The Bills named Bill Teerlinck their new defensive line coach, replacing Waufle.
• Buffalo also promoted administrative assistant to head coach Aaron Whitecotton to assistant DL coach.

Broncos

• Troy Renck of ABC7, citing multiple sources, reports that the Broncos continue to consider all options involving veteran CB Aqib Talib including a potential trade.
• Renck says that Talib has trade value, given that he carries a reasonable salary for a productive cornerback, even though teams will likely wait to see if Denver cuts him for cap purposes.
• Renck considers the 49ers, Rams and Cowboys to be potential fits for Talib.

Panthers

• Joe Person reports that the Panthers are closing in on a deal with former offensive lineman Travelle Wharton for OL coach position.