Riggo's Rag
FanSided

Los Angeles Rams offer exciting trade possibility for the Washington Redskins

By Lindsay Austin Hough

LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 20: Quarterback Nick Foles #5 of the St. Louis Rams and Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins shake hands following the Redskins 24-10 win at FedExField on September 20, 2015 in Landover, MD. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 20: Quarterback Nick Foles #5 of the St. Louis Rams and Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins shake hands following the Redskins 24-10 win at FedExField on September 20, 2015 in Landover, MD. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

With the possibility of Kirk Cousins leaving, Redskins fans are left to wonder what, if anything, would be considered equitable compensation for their star quarterback. Here is one trade scenario to think about: What if the Rams were to trade for Cousins?

Former Redskins offensive coordinator Sean McVay was hired to be the head coach of the Los Angeles Rams this past off-season, leaving the Redskins without one of their most charismatic coaches. However, McVay in Los Angeles might be an asset to Washington when trade needs arise. The Rams are quarterback starved, and the Redskins are not quite a finished product.

PRO FOOTBALL FOCUS: The best in football stats just got better. Elite packages now on sale!

The two teams do seem likely trade partners in the future.  The big question is obviously what happens with Kirk Cousins contract negotiations, and what option the team has if the sixth-year signal-caller decides he wants out. This trade possibility is a favorite of mine, and if the team and Cousins are forced to part ways, it would certainly be a strong move.

More from Riggo's Rag

Here’s how this trade could play out: Imagine, if you will, a scenario where Kirk Cousins is shipped to Los Angeles for Pro Bowl defensive tackle Aaron Donald, former No. 1 pick QB project Jared Goff, and a high draft pick in 2018.  Now, Washington would have to do some posturing and would probably lose some of their offensive identity, but they would gain a proven commodity on defensive line, and a potential future replacement for Cousins in Goff. Immediately, this move would pair Aaron Donald, the NFL’s consensus best defensive lineman with first-round defensive tackle Johnathan Allen, making Washington’s pass rush  stronger, perhaps unstoppable, in one move.

Can you imagine what Greg Manusky’s smile would look like at the idea of having this piece in place? Right now, despite Allen’s arrival, the defense’s success again (inexplicably) hinges on the performance of the D-Line, and its unclear if the Redskins will be effective with the likes of Anthony Lanier, Joey Mbu, Phil Taylor, Ziggy Hood, or A.J. Francis beside him.

Meanwhile, Donald and the Rams haven’t exactly gotten off to a blazing start in contract negotiations, and Donald is scheduled to make big bucks on his next contract. Jared Goff struggled last season, lowering his value, but he has the immeasurable’s to develop into a viable starter. With the addition of a high draft pick, the Rams can offer the necessary incentive to seal the deal and lock up their franchise QB for the foreseeable future. Washington can keep stockpiling high level college talent, and with the extra savings, the Redskins could afford to restructure much of their existing roster and make room for even more star power.

Next: NFL Positional Groups 2017: Where do the 'Skins QBs rank?

The Redskins would only have the cap room to add Donald if they lost Cousins, leaving Colt McCoy in the saddle at QB for at least one season while Jay Gruden develops Goff. Gruden is on record saying he feels comfortable with either Cousins or McCoy under center, leaving speculators to wonder if the charismatic head coach is indeed feeling out trade partners. With a week left in negotiations with Cousins, it would be highly surprising to see a trade of this magnitude, but given the lack of long-term deal thus far, the team has every reason to at least consider their options.

Home/Commanders News