Commanders news: Eric Bieniemy, Ben Johnson, Kirk Cousins and Kendall Fuller

Kirk Cousins to enter free agency?

The now-Washington Commanders have never been the same at the quarterback position since mismanaging Kirk Cousins' contract situation. Instead of giving the veteran signal-caller a well-deserved extension, team owner Dan Snyder became increasingly reluctant. After two straight franchise tags, he left for the Minnesota Vikings.

A constant stream of failures followed Cousins' departure. The former Michigan State star thrived in Minnesota without quite doing enough to get the Vikings over the hump and to their first-ever Super Bowl. Another case of what might have been.

The Vikings have a big decision to make with Cousins this offseason. He's out of contract and rehabilitating an Achilles tear. It seems unlikely that Minnesota will hand him another fully guaranteed deal, but the prospect of a short-term arrangement cannot be dismissed entirely.

Ivan Lambert from USA Today Sports examined Cousins' options if he did end up testing the market. While a move to the Commanders was ruled out - and rightfully so - the writer highlighted a few intriguing destinations that made sense.

"If Cousins chooses to not sign a contract with the Vikings, he will not be coming to Washington. At age 35. why would Cousins sign with a team that only won four games and is going to be in rebuild mode? One can, therefore, understand that Cousins could be the quarterback in Atlanta next season. Perhaps Cousins might even be sought after by winning teams like the 49ers or the Dolphins. Might Mike Tomlin and Pittsburgh reach out for Cousins to help bring some offense to the Steelers?"

- Ivan Lambert, USA Today Sports

Putting Cousins on the Atlanta Falcons or Pittsburgh Steelers immediately makes them a contender. His previous connection to Kyle Shanahan from their time in Washington could tip the scales, although the Niners aren't exactly flush with spare financial resources.