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Could Chicago Bears Pursue Kirk Cousins?

By Bill Zimmerman

Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) and Chicago Bears defensive end Mitch Unrein (98) during the game at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) and Chicago Bears defensive end Mitch Unrein (98) during the game at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the current situation in Washington, is it possible the Bears could land Kirk Cousins?

The Washington Redskins relationship with their quarterback, Kirk Cousins, has been quite rocky the last couple seasons. After playing 2016 under the franchise tag, the Redskins are considering what to do with their quarterback after a second consecutive solid campaign.

Cousins hasn’t missed a game the last two years, and over those 32 games, he’s thrown 54 touchdowns with only 23 interceptions. He’s completing over 68% of his passes and has thrown for over 9000 yards. He’s also led the Redskins to a winning record in each of those seasons.

However, Cousins is looking for major money and the Redskins still aren’t certain he’s worth the cash. Cousins apparently has had enough of the games and wants out of Washington.

The Redskins certainly aren’t going to let Cousins go without receiving significant compensation for their quarterback, and just because Cousins wants out, doesn’t mean he will get his wish. If the Redskins decide to finally commit to Cousins and give him a massive 9-figure, multiyear deal, Cousins will sign and bury the hatchet. But the Redskins know if they franchise Cousins again and he has another excellent campaign, he will walk in 2018 and they won’t receive anything in return.

Cousins wants to play for the San Francisco 49ers. He has a great relationship with Kyle Shanahan and the Niners also have a mess at the QB situation. Shanahan would push GM John Lynch hard to land the quarterback, but Cousins doesn’t get to choose where he wants to play. If another team comes along with a fat contract and a better compensation offer to the Redskins, Cousins will be headed elsewhere.

Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan answers questions during a press conference at Westin Houston Memorial City Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan answers questions during a press conference at Westin Houston Memorial City Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Could that team be the Chicago Bears? The Bears have plenty of cap space to pay Cousins and have plenty of assets they could trade to Washington. To pry Cousins away from the Redskins, the Bears would have to offer up the number 3 overall pick, that much is certain. They would also have to trade away future compensation as well, probably an additional first round pick. At a minimum, one would figure, the Redskins would ask for the third pick and a future second rounder.

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If Cousins is headed out of Washington and knows that the 49ers aren’t an option for whatever reason, Cousins could be open to a trade to Chicago. Cousins is a midwestern boy who went to Michigan State. Cousins grew up in Michigan, but was born in Barrington, a suburb of Chicago. Barrington has its ties to Chicago- Gary Fencik went to high school there and both Walter Payton and Mike Singletary once called the suburb home. More importantly, he worked well with current Bears QB Dave Ragone during the one season together in 2015. Ragone was the Redskins offensive quality control coach and helped Cousins during his breakout campaign.

Any team looking for a new quarterback in 2017 would almost certainly have Cousins as their top target. He’s had actual season-long success at the position. The only other QB remotely close to that kind of experience is Tyrod Taylor. Cousins is going to demand a big contract and significant compensation, but if a team like Chicago is convinced that he can be their quarterback for the next 5 to 10 years and make them a Super Bowl contender, then that price is worth it.

You can bet Ryan Pace is exploring all options, and if Cousins isn’t the QB of the Redskins of 49ers next season, there’s a definite chance he will be in Chicago. One thing is certain, the NFL’s offseason quarterback carousel hasn’t been this fascinating in years and the Bears are right in the thick of it.

Bill Zimmerman is an editor and featured writer for FanSided‘s BearGogglesOn. Like his Facebook page or follow him on Twitter for more news and interaction.

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