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NFL's 5 best trade chips
Kirk Cousins, others could bring solid returns in an offseason deal
Updated: December 21, 2012, 1:32 PM ET
By Chris Sprow | ESPN Insider


Kirk Cousins


Cousins
Why you shop him: It's absolutely fair to say Cousins means plenty to the Redskins. RG III has more carries (112) than any other NFL QB, five more than Cam Newton, and in one fewer game. He's had two scares this season, and his health will be a concern going forward. But an evaluator who has worked with Cousins told me, "He could start for four to five teams now, and that number will grow." The Redskins know it, and will have to test the market given two factors. One, a healthy RG III means a Redskins team that is ready now to challenge deep into the playoffs -- if they can fill holes. But the trade to get RG III gutted future drafts and they need picks to fill those holes, particularly in the secondary. Two, the need for a starter is about to shrink -- five rookie QBs are starting and playing well, reducing the market significantly from where it was 10 months ago. If Arizona, the Jets and Kansas City find solutions at QB for 2013, the Redskins' current leverage is gutted. Third, Mike Shanahan's system can be run effectively by a veteran backup in spurts when needed, one the Redskins hope they don't need. Cousins isn't required.


What makes sense: We suspected Cousins was a play for future trade value to recoup picks when he was picked. Given where the Redskins are, with the playoffs in sight and Cousins' stock soaring, could that plan have gone better? They need to listen, and aim for a deal built around a second-round pick. Maybe two of them.

Fit: The Jets or Chiefs make sense.