Reports say QB Cousins could play for Cleveland

The Browns may have tried to acquire Kirk Cousins from the Redskins during the draft.

(Chuck Crow)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns apparently tried to trade for Redskins backup quarterback Kirk Cousins during the draft afterall.



They offered Washington a fourth-round pick for Robert Griffin III's understudy, but the Redskins balked, according to Jason LaCanfora of CBS Sports.



Redskins general manager Bruce Allen "absolutely'' would've made the deal had the Browns offered a second-round pick, according to former Redskins tight end Chris Cooley of WTEM-AM in Washington D.C.

Cousins, a third-year pro, would have been reunited with Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, who coached him in Washington the past two seasons and thinks highly of him.



Shortly after being hired, Shanahan told 92.3 The Fan, "I think Kirk's a hell of a player. " ... He had some good moments, and he had some moments I think he'll learn from, but I think Kirk did a good job for us and really was a good backup player for us out there."



Cousins' lone victory in four starts came against the Browns in 2012, a 38-21 decision in Cleveland when Griffin III was sidelined with a knee injury.



Presumably, Cousins would've been acquired as a backup to Brian Hoyer or their draft choice, which turned out to be Johnny Manziel.



