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

Buffalo Bills

Draft Pick(s): Round 1, Pick 21; Round 1, Pick 22
Team Needs: WR, QB, OT
Projected Cap Space: $31,336,937
Key Free Agents: Preston Brown, ILB; E.J. Gaines, CB; Kyle Williams, DT

The Buffalo Bills have back-to-back first-round draft picks and a solid enough quarterback in Tyrod Taylor to win in the short-term. Improving the play under center should be a primary focus, but the Bills have far too many appealing options to break the bank on Kirk Cousins.

Cousins would actually fit quite well with the Bills, but the reality remains: Buffalo needs to be smarter than they are ambitious in this scenario.

With the No. 21 and No. 22 overall selections in the 2018 NFL Draft, Buffalo will have the flexibility to take a chance on a quarterback. If a player cut from Taylor’s cloth is the preference, then the Bills could swing for the fences on Lamar Jackson or, if he’s available, Baker Mayfield.

Buffalo could also take a less expected quarterback such as Mason Rudolph or Luke Falk, poach a quarterback who slides down the board, or package their picks to trade up.

Buffalo admittedly looks the part of a team that can afford to pay for a quarterback who will provide it with the stability its lacked since—dare I say Jim Kelly? Cousins could fit the mold, but its average cap space would force it to miss out on re-signing or adding other key players.

With franchise cornerstone Kyle Williams and rising star E.J. Gaines hitting the open market, money should be reserved for two of the most valuable players on the field and locker room.

Ideal Fits: Lamar Jackson, Louisville Cardinals; Baker Mayfield, Oklahoma Sooners; Mason Rudolph, Oklahoma State Cowboys

Must Read: The five best fits for Kirk Cousins

The question is: Which team will be willing to pay the price for one of the most productive quarterbacks in the NFL?