We don't know what the future holds for Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is a free agent at season's end. But as things stand now, Cousins has played well enough for a new contract with Washington. Should that come to pass, it's likely that he'll need a new wide receiver or two in 2016.
Pierre Garcon will count $10.2 million against the salary cap next season and has been underutilized for the majority of his time in D.C. It's possible that he could become a cap casualty, despite being a consummate professional and still just 29-years-old. Similarly, DeSean Jackson will cost Washington $9.25 million in salary cap space next year. Despite being one of the best homerun threats in the NFL who can change the course of a game in a single play, Jackson has not been very consistent during his Redskins tenure. New general manager Scot McCloughan may view Jackson's return on investment as just a bit underwhelming. It's possible that one or both receivers could be gone.
Though rookie Jamison Crowder has emerged as a viable option in the slot, Washington may very well be in the hunt for WR help when the 2016 NFL Draft rolls around. That is why ESPN NFL Draft Insider Todd McShay projects the Skins to select Ohio State's Michael Thomas with the No. 16 overall pick.
"Thomas lacks elite speed as a vertical receiver, but he is a very good route runner," McShay wrote. "He knows how to use his 6-3, 210-pound frame when the ball is in the air, displaying outstanding overall ball skills (17 TDs over the past two seasons). Thomas has enough burst to turn a short pass into a long gain."
Thomas has caught 49 passes for 709 yards and eight touchdowns on the season. While Washington has more pressing needs along the offensive line and on defense, there's no doubt that the junior pass-catcher could help Cousins continue to develop.
