Kirk Cousins reportedly open to returning to Washington Commanders

When Kirk Cousins was approaching free agency at the end of the 2017 season, it seemed he couldn’t get away from the Washington Commanders fast enough. After being franchise tagged for two years in a row, Cousins finally had the freedom to pick where he wanted to play for the first time in his NFL career.

Once free agency began, Cousins made history, signing the NFL’s first-ever fully guaranteed contract, and joined the Minnesota Vikings. Now that Cousins is set for free agency for the first time since departing Washington, there’s some belief that he’d be interested in a return to the franchise that drafted him.

Kirk Cousins could get big payday from Washington Commanders

After his first experience in Washington, one might think Kirk Cousins would never want to return, but sources close to The Athletic’s Ben Standig say that’s not true.

Not to mention, a lot has changed since Cousins last played in Washington, including a full ownership change that ousted Dan Snyder. What has since followed is an entire regime overhaul, with a new GM and a new head coach. Basically, what Cousins experienced before won’t be repeated again, at least not in Washington.

So while some may have assumed that the QB-needy Commanders aren’t a potential landing spot for the four-time Pro Bowler, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

“Despite the tumultuous first stint, don’t worry about whether the 2012 fourth-round pick would return to Washington. He’s open to it, based on conversations with league sources in recent years. The money isn’t an issue, even if a two-year (mostly) guaranteed contract is around $80 million. Add void years to spread the cap charges. Perhaps go higher in 2024, considering the significant cap space, and then a lower figure in 2025.”
The Athletic’s Ben Standig on Kirk Cousins

Now, just because Cousins would be open to a return to Washington, it doesn’t mean they’re his top choice. It also doesn’t mean Washington’s top choice is to sign Cousins either.

The Commanders are already in position to land a franchise QB of the future, with someone like Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, or possibly even J.J. McCarthy as the Michigan product continues to gain steam. Would they really pick a soon-to-be 36-year-old coming off an Achilles tear over a 10-plus year solution?

Boasting the most cap space in the NFL, if the Commanders really wanted Cousins, they could entice him with a massive contract offer, and depending on his priorities, he might just take it.