New York Giants v Washington Redskins

Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins runs off of the field after the New York Giants defeated the Washington Redskins 19-10 at FedExField on January 1, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith | Getty Images)

Let's make one thing abundantly clear: It is highly, highly, highly unlikely Kirk Cousins leaves Washington. Is he a perfect quarterback? Heck no. But he's certainly better than many of the options out there.

But, it's the offseason. And as of right now, he's set to be a free agent. Of the three league sources NJ Advance Media talked to, two felt Cousins could walk if the Redskins don't give him the money he wants. Another said it's unlikely.

So, if Cousins does, in fact, hit the open market, could the Jets make a run?

Here are a few things to ponder.

Yes, Cousins is flawed. But he's still an above-average quarterback in the NFL. He has tremendous leadership skills, a nice arm and reliable accuracy. He has been an underdog throughout his career, and carries a chip on his shoulder as a result. He'd be the Jets' most talented quarterback since, maybe, Vinny Testaverde?

Stats -- Cousins has 54 touchdowns and a 68.3 completion percentage in his last 32 games -- aren't everything. On tape, Cousins has a tendency to get a little trigger happy. He forces balls which get him into trouble (See last week's two game-clinching interceptions versus the Giants).

But he's a solid player. And what exactly are the Jets' other options? Take a flyer in a weak quarterback class? Christian Hackenberg? Bryce Petty? Mike Glennon?

How much would it cost? Cousins wants a big-money deal. And few can blame him. He has earned it. While Washington didn't qualify for the playoffs this year, Cousins had quite the season. He threw for 4,917 yards with 25 touchdowns and just 12 picks. With so many quarterback-needy teams, and the cap expected to jump another $10-$15 million, on the open market, Cousins could receive upwards of $20 million a year.

This past season, Cousins played on the franchise tag and earned $19.9 million. If tagged again, he'd earn an estimated $23.94 million, per Sporting News. According to Spotrac's market value calculator, Cousins should expect a five-year deal worth $117 million. That would be an average salary of $23.4 million.

A Brock Osweiler-like structure? Many gawked at the contract the Texans gave Osweiler this offseason. And for good reason. But it's not that bad. On the outside, it's a four-year deal worth $72 million ($18 million a year). But the Texans can get out from it after the 2017 season.

Osweiler had a $12 million cap hit this season. He'll have a $19 million cap hit next year. In 2018, the Texans can cut him and free $15 million, while taking a $6 million penalty.

It'll take a little more guaranteed, but could the Jets structure a deal with Cousins in similar fashion? Pay him a lot for two years, then give themselves an out if he doesn't progress heading into year No. 3?

Unlike Romo, New York is a possible destination. Tony Romo is the other hot name set to potentially be available. But there's no chance in Hell he'll come to the Jets. Romo wants to win, and win now. He knows his career is drawing to a close. Denver and Arizona are both more likely destinations for that reason. Cousins, though, is in a different situation. He's young, and wants money. If the Jets pony up the cash, there's no reason he wouldn't consider making Florham Park his home.

The Jets would need to free cap space. But it's also not hard to get it. When the Jets went on that free-agent spending spree two years ago, the deals were structured in such a way the Jets had outs this offseason. Cornerback Darrelle Revis, receiver Brandon Marshall and center Nick Mangold are all likely cap casualties.

Here's how the team can free $50-million in cap space. Click this link! There's no doubt they can make room for Cousins.

Again, it comes down to Hackenberg. No one knows how the Jets feel about Hackenberg. The report from ESPN last week isn't good. It's a really bad look. But no one expected Hackenberg to look good this year. He was a pick taken for the future, not the present.

The only opinion that truly matters is that of general manager Mike Maccagnan. If he's ready to give up on Hackenberg, then he should do everything he can to get a franchise quarterback this year. Maybe that's giving big money to Kirk Cousins.

Connor Hughes may be reached at chughes@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connor_J_Hughes. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook.