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Rumors: Redskins “clearly focused” on quarterbacks at Senior Bowl

By Jacob Camenker

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Oklahoma Sooners throws a pass during the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Oklahoma Sooners throws a pass during the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game against the Georgia Bulldogs at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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According to sources, the Washington Redskins are doing their due diligence on quarterbacks at the Senior Bowl. This is obviously a smart move.

It’s going to be talked about all offseason until a decision is made. As it stands, nothing is certain about what the Washington Redskins are planning to do with Kirk Cousins. The starting quarterback of the last three years is once again set to be a free agent, as he was in each of the past two offseasons. Both times, the Redskins slapped the franchise tag on him. This time around, do that could be cost prohibitive for the team.

Cousins would be due $34.5 million if tagged again in 2018, and while the Redskins want to keep him, it could be a mistake to pay him that much. Sure, he’s probably the best quarterback the team has had since Joe Theismann. But, is he among the elite players across the league? According to former Redskins GM Scot McCloughan, the answer is no, and many watching agree with him.

Because of the uncertainty, the Redskins are going to be scouring the free agent market for a potential solution, in the event that they don’t trust Colt McCoy as a potential starter, and they will also be taking a hard look at the 2018 NFL Draft class.

Related Story: 3 free agent QBs for Redskins to target

The 2018 class is considered to be very strong at the quarterback position, and there should be at least five first rounders at the position. And a lot of that talent is on display at this week’s Senior Bowl. From Josh Allen, to Baker Mayfield, to Mason Rudolph (though he isn’t practicing in Alabama), there are plenty of early round options for teams to consider. Thus, it’s no surprise that the Redskins are reportedly “clearly focused” on quarterbacks, according to Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports.

While Robinson didn’t mention which quarterbacks the Redskins were being associated with, it’s clear that they are taking a hard look at the position. Obviously, this makes a lot of sense, given the uncertainty that is surrounding Cousins.

If Cousins walks, the Redskins will have to add talent at the quarterback position at some point in the draft. They have no young backup, as they cut Nate Sudfeld prior to the start of the 2017 season. So, the Redskins will likely invest an early pick in a quarterback, unless they retain Cousins on a long term deal.

And if Cousins does depart, the Redskins will have a good deal of cap space to build their team in free agency. They can focus on shoring up weak spots at receiver and running back while trying to retain some of their talented linebacker. Then, in the draft, that will give them more freedom to target a top quarterback to replace Cousins.

Next: Redskins Rumors - Interest in 2 Alabama prospects

In all likelihood, the Redskins will be interested in Mayfield and Rudolph the most. Mayfield has a Drew Brees-like skill set while the team has already demonstrated an interest in Rudolph in the past. So, it will be important to keep an eye on these two as the team continues to look at and evaluate the quarterback position this offseason. Right now, any option is open for the team, and it will remain that way until Cousins’ situation is resolved.

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