The New York Jets are reportedly prepared to write Kirk Cousins a blank check to get him in green and white.
ESPN reported the following:
It’s simple: Get Cousins. The Jets want him badly, and sources say they’re willing to pay whatever it takes — unless the Washington Redskins decide to tag him for a third time (unlikely). Money aside, the Jets hope to convince him he’ll have a chance to win in New York. Because of obvious deficiencies on the current roster, they must sell him a championship vision.
Let me say this loud and clear. Paying Kirk Cousins the same money Matthew Stafford got or anything near it is an insane proposition.
Let’s break down Cousin’s history. He’s 26-30 in his career, which is a far cry from an elite status. Forking over anything more than $25 million a season would be very stupid. Now, I’m sure many of you are arguing that Stafford got $135 million, and didn’t do a ton to prove he’d earned it. It’s true that the Lions and Stafford haven’t done a ton of winning, but the organization has never been great in the past 50 years.
The difference is that we all know that Stafford can make throws that pretty much no other quarterback can. Does he have deficiencies? Without a doubt, but he also has a rocket strapped to the right side of his body.
What makes us believe that Cousins is any better than taking a QB in the draft and grooming him? You’d save a ton of money, and possibly get a much better product. Cousins is the obvious safe play, but safe plays aren’t worth $30 million a year. I’d tell him he can get $25 million a year for five seasons, and half of it can be guaranteed. Take it or leave it. He’s not worth another penny to a team that could also snag an elite QB prospect.