Kirk Cousins Wise to Avoid QB Competition with RGIII

The Washington Redskins surprised everyone by selecting quarterback Kirk Cousins in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL draft after taking Robert Griffin III with the No. 2 pick.

So far, the Michigan State product is saying all the right things, and is taking the smart route by avoiding a quarterback competition with Griffin.

It's clear that the Redskins don't plan on giving Cousins a chance to be their starting quarterback. That job will almost certainly go to Griffin from day one. 

Cousins went on The Dan Patrick Show on Monday and claimed that he would not be competing against Griffin. Instead, he said he would be competing with him to help the Redskins win games. It's nice to see Cousins taking the high road instead of being openly disappointed that he won't really be given a chance to start. 

In fact, ESPN's Chris Mortensen recently reported that the Redskins are hoping to develop Cousins so that they can eventually trade him away, much like the Atlanta Falcons did with Matt Schaub. 

I appreciate the fact that Cousins is accepting his fate as Griffin's backup. Yes, he'll compete with the Heisman Trophy winner, but there is zero chance that he'll take over as the starter. In fact, with Rex Grossman re-signed for next year, Cousins likely won't even be Washington's backup in 2012. 

Cousins is apparently taking the long-view as far as his career is concerned. He told Patrick that he knew his time would eventually come, and that he just has to be prepared for that moment. 

Kevin Kolb was drafted to be Donovan McNabb's backup and he ended up signing a six-year, $65 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals last offseason. 

If Cousins accepts his role with the Redskins and works hard to develop his skills, he will get his shot as a starter in the NFL. Until he does, he is taking the right approach by not whining about playing time or making things awkward for the Redskins.