Newly hired Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan is making sure not to break any rules. However, the former Redskins coach cannot help put praise his former backup quarterback, Kirk Cousins.
The Washington Redskins backup has reportedly requested a trade in hopes of getting out from under Robert Griffin III's shadow and being named a starting quarterback. Washington head coach Jay Gruden has already stressed that Griffin would be the team's starting quarterback going forward despite getting benched the final three games of last season. That leaves Cousins looking to bolt for the spotlight.
Adam Schefter of ESPN first reported that Cousins was looking for a new team and noted the Browns would be the perfect landing spot considering the hiring of Shanahan. The coordinator is not denying that Cousins has a lot of talent to offer a team, but out of fear of violating the NFL tampering policy, will not comment on a potential trade.
"I think Kirk's a hell of a player,'' Shanahan told 92.3 The Fan. "That's one of the reasons we took him coming out of Michigan State. He did a good job there in college, and the times we needed him, he came in 1 1/2 games his rookie year, and he did a real good job and he got to play in the last three games this year, which it was good for him to get a little bit more experience. He had some good moments, and he had some moments I think he'll learn from, but I think Kirk did a good job for us and really was a good backup player for us out there.''
Shanahan notes that it takes a lot of talent to even be a backup quarterback in the NFL and Cousins certainly deserves a chance to start in the league one day. Will it be with the Cleveland Browns? That remains to be seen. Owner Jimmy Haslam has already stated he plans on going "all in" for rookie Johnny Manziel, stating nothing about a trade.
The Browns need a franchise quarterback. Brandon Weeden all but has his bags packed. The third-year quarterback does not fit into the Browns' long-term plans after two seasons of no results. The team will continue to weigh their options, but things could get interesting once the official offseason begins.