Cleveland Browns: Breaking down the potential pursuit of Kirk Cousins

Everything always comes down to money. Whether it be a new car or a new quarterback, price is always the final factor.

Kirk Cousins made nearly $20 million last season while under the franchise tag, and it may take a similar number to bring him to Cleveland if other teams throw that figure around.

If the Redskins do decide to tag him again, they would owe him $23.94 million, as explained in a Washington Post article detailing the franchise tag. If he is tagged, the Browns could still negotiate a deal, but would have to give up two first-round picks to the Redskins if they didn’t match the offer given by the Browns.

So if he is tagged, it is unlikely the Browns would negotiate with him, as draft capital is more valuable than ever given the current team philosophy.

For the sake of argument, let’s say he hits the open market and is a free agent. Based on his 2016 salary, and other deals given to players like Brock Osweiler, Colin Kaepernick, and Joe Flacco, he could be set to earn over $100 million, with anywhere from $40-$60 million being guaranteed. That may sound crazy, but it’s just the market for a franchise quarterback.

The Browns have over $100 million in cap space this offseason, but that may be too much of a commitment at this point. They would have to get the guaranteed money down to the low $40-45 million range, which may be impossible if another team wants to throw money at Cousins.