The New York Jets are in desperate need of a quarterback. And like other teams with a big need in that position, they are targeting the biggest name on the free-agent market in Kirk Cousins this offseason.
But according to Rich Cimini of ESPN, the Jets might just be the most desperate of all those teams to land Cousins to the point that they are basically ready to hand him a blank check in order to come.
It's simple: Get Cousins. The Jets want him badly, and sources say they're willing to pay whatever it takes — unless the Washington Redskins decide to tag him for a third time (unlikely). Money aside, the Jets hope to convince him he'll have a chance to win in New York. Because of obvious deficiencies on the current roster, they must sell him a championship vision. Their recruiting pitch also will stress his familiarity with the offensive system. In addition to making Cousins wildly rich, the Jets want to let him know he'll be comfortable with the scheme and coaches.
A report recently came out that the Jets are ready to hand Cousins a fully-guaranteed contract, which is virtually unheard-of in the NFL. That’s how determined they are to solve their recent troubles at quarterback.
Of course, money isn’t the only thing that will factor into Cousins’ decision. He has gone on record as saying that he wants to be on a team in a winning situation or close to it. However, the Jets as currently constructed don’t appear to be a team that can contend anytime soon if Cousins comes on board.
Still, the Jets will likely test Cousins’ resolve by offering him a mammoth contract. New York can only hope they can offer significantly more money than any other team, and that those added millions can be enough to convince Cousins.