Following Geno Smith's infamous broken-jaw incident on Aug. 7, the New York Jets took the temperature of potential quarterbacks available for trade.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday on NFL Network's GameDay Morning that one inquiry made while covering their basis was regarding the availability of Kirk Cousins, who at the time backed up Robert Griffin III in Washington.
"The Jets did not know how long Geno Smith would be out and they did their due diligence, calling all around the league," said Rapoport. "...The most interesting team they called was the Washington Redskins. I am told the Jets inquired about trading for now-starter Kirk Cousins. The Redskins would not consider it, wouldn't even talk about it. It just wasn't clear why, because at that point RGIII was the starter. But make no mistake, the Redskins knew what they had in Kirk Cousins. They would not trade him and they believe he's a big part of their future."
It's standard procedure for teams to test the waters on potential trade options when a important piece -- like a starting quarterback -- goes down with injury. The Jets wouldn't have likely offered much for a quarterback with question marks like Cousins. Gang Green will ride Ryan Fitzpatrick to open the season and Smith could have a chance to win the job back when he returns -- likely after missing about four games.
Perhaps now that Griffin is permanently relegated to the No. 3 role, maybe the Jets could consider giving Washington a ring about a different quarterback.
