INDIANAPOLIS — Kirk Cousins has been one of the main subjects of conversation at the NFL Scouting Combine.
And now, there’s another report on which teams are expected to be finalists when Cousins hits free agency in March.
According to ESPN, the Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals will be the four teams in the running for Cousins.
Those teams have been listed all along, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter added an interesting detail for how they plan to pursue Cousins. Per Schefter:
Most of those teams are thinking short-term deals, potentially three years, with a very high guarantee in the contract.
Cousins is flexible on how the money will be paid out because he has made so much the past two seasons playing under the franchise tag for the Washington Redskins.
Cousins has previously said he wants to “get settled” for his next contract. Guarantees, Cousins said, will also be an important part of the deal. The 29-year-old quarterback has said it’s still possible to be a contender while being paid top dollar.
All four teams have some weapons around them to appeal to Cousins. Minnesota, coming off an NFC Championship appearance, has the strongest roster with an elite defense and excellent receivers.
The Jets might be the furthest team away from being a contender, but they have $90 million in cap space.
In January, Cousins said winning would be his priority when choosing his next team.
The Redskins, meanwhile, decided to trade for Alex Smith on Jan. 30, opting for a different direction at quarterback. Coach Jay Gruden said Thursday it was “time” for the Redskins to move on.
Redskins senior vice president of player personnel Doug Williams said Wednesday that they were unlikely to give Cousins a third straight franchise tag.
Cousins threw for 4,093 yards last season with 27 touchdowns.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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