Soon-to-be free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins is the owner of an eye-opening stat that should bring at least some pause for the New York Jets.
Former Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins is a soon-to-be free agent ready to bust out his favorite dance after penning ink to paper, making him the richest player in NFL history on a per year basis. The New York Jets haven’t employed a true franchise quarterback since the dying days of a prime Joe Namath.
On paper, the match is perfect and the organization hasn’t been shy about letting their feelings known about wanting the NFL’s big fish in the sea.
Personally, I’m against the signing. I like Cousins as a quarterback, but not as a guy who can overcome eating up 20 percent of the team’s cap. I just don’t think he’s talented enough and I believe his “good” ceiling has already been witnessed. Now, thanks to a recent call out by Rich Cimini of ESPN New York, others have a reason for pause.
Cousins struggles against top competition.
The Jets’ anticipated pursuit of Kirk Cousins is a hot-button issue among fans in New York. Should they shell out $30 million a year for the prospective free agent or try to find their quarterback in the draft? Both sides can make compelling arguments, but here’s a factoid that might provide some clarity for those on the fence:
During his time with the Washington Redskins, Cousins’ starting record against winning teams is 4-19 (based on their opponents’ final record).
Yes, 4-19.
Cousins has cleaned up against losing teams (19-9-1) and has fared OK against .500 clubs (3-2), resulting in an overall record of 26-30-1 in the regular season. He is 0-1 in the playoffs.
A record of 4-19 against winning teams.
Listen, Cousins can be argued as perhaps the seventh or eighth best QB in the NFL, but he can also be placed near the 15th top guy. He’s a middle-of-the-pack guy who has no business earning $30 million a year.
It’s not that his detractors are against him earning as much money as possible. It’s that when the hard salary cap is involved, money purely equals value. The guy who’s eating up 20 percent of the cap needs to be good enough to overcome much less money around him for the 50 other positions (when thinking Top 51 via the cap).
Other Jets News, Stories:
- Robby Sabo and Paul Esden Jr. unveiled a new series that puts together the perfect Jets team after free agency and the NFL Draft. On Sunday, they started with the quarterbacks.
- Esden raises the possibility of a Sheldon Richardson reunion.
- Blake Bortles signs a long-term deal, making the Jacksonville Jaguars one fewer team who’s out for a franchise QB.
"Players like David Harris don’t come around very often. He’s one of the best players and people I’ve ever coached."
? https://t.co/TVadQkV7Do pic.twitter.com/Ss8iV0h1xh
— New York Jets (@nyjets) February 25, 2018
Congrats to David ‘Hitman’ Harris on a stellar 11-yr career. Not much for talking but was definitely bout that action boss! #Jets
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) February 24, 2018
The leader of the group looks to continue to build his legacy in New York.
Free agency preview: LB → https://t.co/uQedUXW269 pic.twitter.com/fs7hqHvDdw
— New York Jets (@nyjets) February 22, 2018
7 players, 1 head coach ?
Our best mic'd up moments at practice this season ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/SSaJ6gy3vj
— New York Jets (@nyjets) February 22, 2018
