Is Kirk Cousins a realistic option for the Los Angeles Rams?
By Jon Dove
Is Kirk Cousins a realistic option for the Los Angeles Rams?
It was obvious that the Washington Redskins wouldn’t allow Kirk Cousins to hit the open market. He showed enough in his first year as a full-time starter to earn more time to establish himself as the team’s long-term answer. However, Washington’s decision to use the non-exclusive franchise tag opens the door for another team to step in.
This type of franchise tag allows other teams to negotiate with Cousins, but the Redskins have a chance to match any offer or receive two 1st round picks as compensation. It’s a step price for any team to pay to pry Cousins away from Washington, but maybe there’s someone out there willing to do the unthinkable.
The first team that comes to mind is the Los Angeles Rams who have long been searching for an answer at the quarterback position. Case Keenum is the current favorite to be the team’s starter next season which isn’t an ideal situation.
Los Angeles owns the No. 15 pick in the upcoming draft where it’s unlikely one of the top quarterback prospects will still be available. Based on the draft trade chart, the Rams would potentially need to trade at least two first round picks to move up to the No. 2 or No. 3 pick.
Making this trade would put them in range to draft a rookie quarterback like California’s Jared Goff or North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz. Both are talented players, but wouldn’t do much to help the Rams immediate chances of making a playoff run.
Cousins is more proven, has lead a team to the playoffs and was the NFL leader in completion percentage last season. It might make more sense to the Rams front office to make a run at Cousins with the hope of getting some instant gratification.
The Rams playoff drought has brought some heat one Jeff Fisher and Les Snead who will feel increasing pressure to win with the team moving to Los Angeles.