Browns attempted trade for Kirk Cousins, per report
The Browns reportedly made a run at trading for Kirk Cousins before selecting Johnny Football.
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns selected a quarterback in the 2014 NFL Draft and reportedly, they almost traded for another during it. General manager Ray Farmer offered a fourth-round pick to the Washington Redskins in exchange for Kirk Cousins, according CBS Sports insider Jason La Canfora.
Where things become strange is Redskins general manager Bruce Allen denies receiving the offer, according to the Washington Post. Allen claims that the only calls regarding Cousins were from media members, not NFL teams looking to make a deal for the one-time Michigan State star.
The Browns’ interest in Cousins is presumed to have been before they drafted Johnny Manziel with the 22nd overall pick. In the Post story, it is thought that Washington would want a second-round selection for Cousins. However, John Keim of ESPN.com wrote on May 7that Cousins might fetch a third-round pick at best. This was an opinion he received from an NFL executive.
Mark Maske of the Washington Post writes that many teams are interested in Cousins, but none have been made public other than Cleveland. Washington wants a second-round pick but has not seen that deal materialize.
Last season, Cousins started the final three games of the regular season after then-head coach Mike Shanahan decided to shut Robert Griffin III down for the season. Cousins tossed four touchdowns and five interceptions in those games to go 0-3. However, he did throw for a whopping 381 yards against the Atlanta Falcons.
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The quarterback situation could become interesting with Cousins remaining in the nation’s capital. Griffin is the unquestioned starter, but what happens if he -- or the team -- falters badly to begin the 2014 campaign? First-time head coach Jay Gruden potentially would have a quarterback controversy since many believe that Cousins is an NFL-caliber starting quarterback.
According to La Canfora, Robert Griffin III would prefer to see Cousins sent packing. If he remains on the roster, Cousins will push the former No. 2 overall pick Griffin while Colt McCoy serves as the third quarterback on the depth chart.
Just want to reiterate, Browns were rebuffed by Skins on Kirk Cousins offer. All parties (incl. RG3) would welcome trade, except Bruce Allen
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) May 13, 2014 At this point barring a QB getting hurt elsewhere Cousins likely stuck in WSH, but that starter and backup would prefer otherwise.
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) May 13, 2014 If the rumors about the Browns’ interest are true, it certainly makes sense. Kyle Shanahan is now the offensive coordinator in Cleveland after working with Cousins throughout his career in the same capacity over in Washington.
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