Teams that should pass on Kirk Cousins for a 2018 NFL Draft prospect

New York Jets

Draft Pick(s): Round 1, Pick 6
Offensive Team Needs: OL, QB, WR
Projected Cap Space: $79,554,261
Key Free Agents: David Bass, DE; Demario Davis, ILB; Buster Skrine, CB

The New York Jets are in the market for a quarterback, but paying $30 million per season for Kirk Cousins wouldn’t be the answer. New York would like to get back to the playoffs, yes, and the cap space is certainly present for it to make this move.

In order for the Jets to compete in a division with Tom Brady, however, it will require more than just a quarterback—strange as that may seem to say.

Jamal Adams had a promising rookie season at safety, Demario Davis is a high-level linebacker, and Leonard Williams, Steve McLendon, Muhammad Wilkerson, and David Bass are all quality linemen. Yet, the Jets still have issues on defense.

Marcus Maye was underwhelming at safety, the cornerback play borders on abysmal, and Davis may be the only linebacker on the roster who’s worth believing in.

On the other end of the ball, the Jets’ offensive line is in no position to protect a $30 million per season investment. Throw in the inconsistent run game and the uncertainty surrounding Robby Anderson, and Cousins would be asked to lead an offense that needs far more than just a quarterback.

Rather than going all-in on the best quarterback of this free agency cycle, the Jets should draft a prospect and use their near $80 million in cap space to improve the rest of the team.

Bolstering the offensive line, improving the secondary, and finding reliable wide receivers should be a higher priority than paying a veteran who would limit the team’s flexibility.

Don’t forget: Davis is an unrestricted free agent and Williams is entering the last year of his contract.

Ideal Fits: Josh Allen, Wyoming Cowboys; Sam Darnold, USC Trojans; bBaker Mayfield, Oklahoma Sooners