Ranking the top 5 backup quarterbacks in Washington Commanders franchise history

2. Kirk Cousins - Former Commanders QB

A star signal-caller at Michigan State, Kirk Cousins was drafted by the now-Washington Commanders in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He a clear backup to fellow rookie passer Robert Griffin III, the No. 2 overall selection in that year's class who would go on to win NFL Offensive Rookie of The Year.

A controversial selection at the time due to the presence of Griffin, the addition of Cousins eventually proved to be excellent foresight by the franchise. The former Spartan field general would sporadically appear in games throughout his first three seasons before replacing the injury-prone Baylor product full-time following another complication in 2015.

Cousins was Washington's starting quarterback through the 2017 campaign, piling up impressive statistics and memorable moments. Despite making one Pro Bowl, he never got the team significantly over the hump in the win column.

After two years of signing franchise tags and being unable to agree with Washington's front office on a long-term contract, Cousins inked a fully guaranteed three-year, $84 million deal with the Minnesota Vikings as a free agent in 2018. He has since blossomed into one of the NFL's most consistent passers.