Kirk Cousins has the Washington Redskins in control of the NFC East and poised for the playoffs. Since getting named the starter over Robert Griffin III, Cousins continues to improve as the team's quarterback and is setting himself up for a potential pay day in free agency. Currently playing on an expiring contract, Cousins will be getting plenty of attention in free agency. While the Redskins plan on keeping him round, the future of Griffin factors into exactly what they can offer the quarterback.
According to Mike Jones of the Washington Post, the Redskins plan to keep Cousins as the starting quarterback for 2016. That is not the issue for the team. The issue is just what they can offer him. According to Jones, contract talks with Cousins have not yet reached advanced stages, but they are ongoing as the Redskins have made it clear they want him back. The issue is making it happen. Jones writes there is debate within the organization as to how much Cousins is worth right now in terms of a multi-year contract as consistency is the biggest question. That could mean a franchise tag is the likely outcome while the Redskins determine what to do with Griffin and his massive fifth-year option.
According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, the Redskins will take trade calls on Griffin before potentially releasing him. The quarterback's fifth-year option is only guaranteed for injuries which means they could let the quarterback go and simply admit mistake and part ways. That would mean Griffin is up for grabs for teams looking for quarterback help and Rapoport believes there will be interest as he has sat on the sidelines all season.
Rapoport reports the Dallas Cowboys are a realistic option. Tony Romo is expected to return in 2016 as the starter which means the Cowboys could bring on Griffin to try and develop for the future. It is unclear just how long Romo can play for and the Cowboys must begin to think about the future of the position. Griffin would be entering a low-pressure situation which would give him a chance to become better.
The Philadelphia Eagles are another option as Sam Bradford's contract expires. Griffin appears to be the best fit for the type of offense Chip Kelly likes to run. The Eagles still maintain that they plan on keeping Bradford around for next year, but if Griffin becomes available, that could change. Kelly has shown he is willing to take a risk on a quarterback with extensive injury history if needed.
Rapoport writes that teams like the Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans and New Orleans Saints could also be options. It seems all-but guaranteed that Griffin is on his way out in Washington. Now teams must decide if he is worth bringing on in the future.