The Washington Redskins do not have a first-round draft pick. The Cleveland Browns have two. The Washington Redskins have two quarterbacks capable of starting. The Cleveland Browns have one. Do the math and these two teams are set up perfectly to make a trade prior to the NFL Draft in May. Speculation is running high despite denial from both parties, but the Browns appear to be keeping an eye on the status of Kirk Cousins while holding close to their two first-round picks.
The Browns are exploring all options when it comes to the NFL Draft. Newly hired head coach Mike Pettine has said the team could very easily acquire two new quarterbacks this offseason whether it be by trade or the draft. All the Browns have right now is Brian Hoyer who is coming off an ACL tear. They released Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell at the start of free agency. Keeping all options means eyeing quarterbacks that may or may not be available, like Cousins.
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Browns are very interested in Cousins and will attempt to complete a draft-day trade in order to get him. Armed with the most picks in this year's draft, the Browns have some trading they can do while not blowing their entire draft board. Reporter Mary Kay Cabot, the Browns will not try and push a trade until the first day of the draft in hopes of convincing Washington to move into the first round.
For the Redskins, this really is a no-brainer move. Cousins has been very vocal of his desire to start. He has limited time on the field, mainly filling in for Robert Griffin III and many believe that he has some real potential to be a quality quarterback in the league. The Redskins have made it known that Griffin is and will always be the starting quarterback, leaving Cousins wanting out.
The signing of DeSean Jackson was nice for Washington, but getting into the first-round would be better. Yes, coach Jay Gruden has said Washington intends to keep Cousins because they always need a quality backup, but this year's draft is deep in the position and they could easily grab someone late to fill his place while also having a first-round pick and more to work with.
Is Cousins worth a first-round pick? The Redskins think so. The Browns might be desperate enough to give that up. However, they are also armed with multiple third and fourth round picks as well and could entice Washington with multiple picks over just a first round one. It is all speculation, but as Cleveland continues to sort through the lot of rookies, getting Cousins might be the better option.