The Washington Redskins pulling off a blockbuster trade for Alex Smith means Kirk Cousins will reach the open market after all.

And the Denver Broncos will be ready to pounce.

Per Eric Galko of the Sporting News, the Broncos are expected to offer the franchise quarterback a contract with "a lower-than-you’d-think average salary," but "very high guarantees" -- easily surpassing the $40 million that Derek Carr received upon signing his $125 million extension. (He was guaranteed $70.2 million in total.)

As Galko notes, this structure would satisfy Cousins' financial demands but still give Denver flexibility with their salary cap.

Galko has been on top of the Cousins-to-Broncos dot-connecting, previously reporting it's "more likely than not" he plays in the Mile High City next season. He's also reported that the Broncos will make a "big offer" for the 29-year-old field general, who's said to be seeking a pact that rivals the record-setting, five-year, $135 million deal that Matthew Stafford signed last summer.

How are the #Broncos going to sign Kirk Cousins?



I’m told theyll offer Cousins a lower-than-you’d-think average salary, but VERY HIGH guarantees (more than Derek Carr‘s).



Gives Cousins guaranteed money. But easier on Denver cap short-term. — Eric Galko (@OptimumScouting) January 31, 2018

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Working against Galko's prediction, however, is Smith's new contract with Washington: $94 million over four years, including $71 million guaranteed. One would assume that's the baseline for Cousins, who should draw interest from the cash-flush Jets, Browns and Jaguars, as well.

The Broncos currently have about $29 million in available cap room, but they can double that by trading, releasing or restructuring their highest-paid players. Among those on the block are Aqib Talib, Emmanuel Sanders, Demaryius Thomas and C.J. Anderson.

Although free agency doesn't officially begin until March 14, a two-day negotiating window will precede it, the first legal opportunity for the Broncos to talk with Cousins' agent, Mike McCartney, who also reps Trevor Siemian.

For more Broncos news, follow Zack Kelberman on Twitter: @Kelberman247