The Washington Redskins decided to move on from Kirk Cousins when they traded for Alex Smith after giving him franchise tags in each of the past two seasons. Now, Cousins is with the Minnesota Vikings hoping to be the missing link to their championship run. Smith is penned in to be the man in Washington, and to the Redskins at least, for the better.
Speaking to reporters at the coaches breakfast during the NFL’s league meetings on Tuesday, Gruden echoed that thought.
Asked #Redskins coach Jay Gruden if his team got better at the QB position. Says “without a doubt.” Then explains, not to compare Cousins to Smith, but based on Smith’s credentials, they definitely improved there, which is the goal.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 27, 2018
The notion is certainly debatable. Smith has had the better win-loss record throughout his career. But last season was Smith’s first of going over 4,000 yards passing. Cousins with the Redskins equated to one NFC East division title, however nothing much more with missing the playoffs back-to-back season despite him passing for over 4,000 yards three straight seasons.
Of course what else was Gruden supposed to say?
The Redskins have been lukewarm with Cousins ever since they drafted him in the fourth round in 2012. And that hurt the progress on both sides with negotiating a long-term contract.
The Redskins have stuck with the same message before and after Kirk Cousins left. That message "We can find better"
Gruden saying today they are better with Alex Smith…what else do we expect him to say?— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) March 27, 2018
Only time will tell what side will get the better end of the divorce. Cousins got the commitment from a team that he always yearned, as the Vikings committed $84 million fully guaranteed over the next three years Meanwhile, Washington has stability at the quarterback position with Smith over the next three to five years. They also feel they improved given Smith’s better track record.
