BLOOMINGTON, Minn. _ Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins said on WFAN Tuesday he wouldn't be afraid to play in the New York market.
"From what I've heard, it's a tough market. Man, if I'm making it about the media, I've got bigger problems," Cousins said. "I've got to ignore the noise, right?, no matter where I play. Washington, D.C., isn't exactly in the middle of nowhere, so I'd like to think I have some experience dealing with a media market."
Cousins has been franchised by the Redskins the last two seasons and the team could do it again by March 6, the deadline for franchise and transition tags. If Cousins is free, Newsday has reported he would become a free agent target of the Jets.
"Let's get to March 6 and see what the Redskins choose to do," Cousins said when asked about the Jets. "At that point, the ball swings back to my court. Instead of being passive, I can finally be active in the process and be able to answer those questions."
Of course, if he gets free the Jets have a major decision in terms of what they want to pay Cousins. The Jets will have a projected $78 million in salary cap space, that will increase with the expected release of several veterans.
Cousins could command an average salary of $25 million to $30 million. In 2017, Cousins went 7-9 as a starter with 27 touchdowns and 13 interceptions while throwing for 4,093 yards.
One good thing the Jets have in their favor is Jeremy Bates. The Jets are expected to promote Bates from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator. Todd Bowles hasn't finalized his coaching staff because he not only needs a new offensive coordinator but an offensive line coach and quarterbacks coach, too.
When Bowles does completes his staff, if Bates is calling plays, Cousins endorses it.
"I just think he's a good football mind," Cousins said of Bates. "He's about the ball and that's what matters to him. Everybody I talked to who knows him, loves him. I think it was a smart hire by the Jets and I wish him well in what he does."
