Kirk Cousins’ Washington Redskins career is effectively over. The team has already traded for veteran quarterback Alex Smith, which means Cousins will most likely be allowed to leave in free agency this offseason.

When Cousins does officially leave D.C. this offseason, he will go out with the fourth-most passing yards in Redskins franchise history.

It’s somewhat surprising to see Cousins so high up the list considering he has only been the team’s full-time starter for three seasons. But in those three full seasons, he’s put together three of the top four seasons in terms of most passing yards in franchise history. That includes his outstanding 2016 season when he went for 4,917 yards.

Article Continues Below
More NFL News
Reggie Bush smiles during the Hawkeye Hoops from Downtown event with the Iowa men's and women's basketball programs
Reggie Bush calls out ‘cheap’ NFL owners with urgent demandJaren Kawada ·
NFC cornerback Jalen Ramsey of the Los Angeles Rams (5) reacts against the AFC during the Pro Bowl Games at Allegiant Stadium.
NFL rumors: Panthers urged to outbid Rams for Jalen Ramsey tradeBen Strauss ·
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) warms up on the field prior to the game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
NFL rumors: Falcons insider picks Browns Kirk Cousins trade idea over SteelersZachary Weinberger ·
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) throws the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half at Allegiant Stadium.
NFL rumors: Falcons insider shuts down Vikings trade ideas for Kirk CousinsMalik Brown ·
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) talks with his brother Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce (62) after he won Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium.
NFL stars Jason, Travis Kelce tease fans with ‘biggest guest ever’ hint for Wednesday’s podcastMiguel La Torre ·
Retired NFL player Peyton Manning stands on the sidelines of Empower Field at Mile High before the game between the Carolina Panthers Denver Broncos.
Peyton Manning makes major NWSL Denver expansion announcementErin Achenbach ·

At the pace he was going, he would've overtaken Joe Theismann as the franchise leader in passing yards in a couple more years.

Obviously, Cousins has had the advantage of playing in a more pass-happy era over these last few years. Nevertheless, it is impressive that he’s climbed so high in the 86-year-old franchise’s record books in just three short years.

It’s those prolific passing numbers that will make Cousins one of, if not the most sought-after free agent this offseason. He may not have shown he can push a team like the Redskins toward playoff success, but that likely won’t stop teams desperate for a competent quarterback from offering huge amounts of money for him.

Washington wasn’t willing to give him that long-term deal for some reason and has instead decided to commit to the 33-year-old Smith. Only time will tell whether the fourth-leading passer in franchise history will make them rue that decision by posting even more impressive passing yard numbers in his next destination.