Last year entering mandatory mini camp, Kirk Cousins's stock was high. His named continued to get tossed around in trade rumors for teams looking for potential quarterback help. No deal was made and Cousins was once again inserted as the starter for the Washington Redskins after Robert Griffin III got injured. Interceptions highlighted his time on the field and his value dropped in the league. However, according to former Redskins' offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, Cousins has all the tools to be a starter.
In an interview with Vaughn McClure of ESPN, Shanahan said that one day Cousins will be a great quarterback. Could that day be coming sooner rather than later? The backup is entering the final year of his contract and has a lot to prove if he intends to get re-signed by either Washington or another team. Shanahan believes good things are on the horizon for the quarterback.
"Kirk's one of the sharper guys I've been around," Shanahan said, via ESPN.com. "He processes things so fast. He lets it rip. He's as tough as can be. Like what I said about Rex (Grossman), he'll hang in there and doesn't flinch. Kirk has a chance to be a great quarterback some day."
Is there a market for Cousins either this year or next? In terms of production, Cousins averaged 100 more passing yards than Griffin did last year and he also through more touchdowns in six games than Griffin did in 14. Technically he is the better quarterback and more of a traditional type of player than Griffin which could be appealing for teams. Griffin is locked in as the starter for the Redskins this season while he is under contract through next year. That leaves little room for Cousins to show what he can do. However, if he can continue to get endorsements in the media, Cousins could find himself targeted next year.
Several teams opted to hold off on adding a quarterback this year, hopeful their current options turn out to be stars. According to ESPN, Colin Kaepernick is on thin ice and could be at risk of departing if he struggles this year. The Cleveland Browns will determine what kind of future Josh McCown and Johnny Manziel offer them. The Chicago Bears are not certain just what their commitment level is with both Jay Cutler and Jimmy Clausen.
Cousins has a lot to prove and very little opportunities to do so. If Griffin gets hurt, he could be next in line to step up, but injuries are the only way he is seeing the field. At this point, the preseason will be Cousins' best chance at an audition for next year.
