If you’re a Jets fan (like myself), you already understand the years of constant pain and suffering. From failed draft selections such as Calvin Pryor and Dee Milliner to the infamous Mark Sanchez butt fumble against the Patriots, success is more often than not short lived. After a promising season in 2015, led by journeyman quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Amish Rifle looked poised to lead New York into the playoffs. But the ‘Same Old Jets’ managed a measly five wins the following season and proceeded to clear the roster as they tried once again to rebuild.

Quarterback has been the biggest issue for management which they have yet to figure out. Long before any of us at Floral Park Memorial were around, the Jets made the franchise-crushing decision to draft Ken O’Brien with the 24th selection in the 1983 NFL draft. Three picks later, the rival Miami Dolphins added future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Dan Marino. Since then, the rotating door of men under center has gone on for too long and many fans in New York will agree that it’s time for a major change. With Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenburg destined for backup jobs the rest of their careers, and veteran Josh McCown entering his age 39 season, the Jets hand will be forced to make a move.

In a recent shocking turn of events, the Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to send quarterback Alex Smith to the Redskins. The trade raises questions about current QB Kirk Cousins and his future with the team. After being franchise tagged for the past two seasons, it seems that Washington is ready to move on from Cousins. And with this deal completed it would only make sense that Cousins and his agent should be actively searching for a new home. In a recent interview, Cousins admitted to being surprised by the move to acquire Smith. A product of Michigan State, Cousins expected a deal could be reached in which he would stay in Washington for the remainder of his career, but management doesn’t feel he can bring them continued success. NFL.com has reported that Kirk Cousins officially expects to become a free agent with his status in DC now in limbo.

A former fourth round pick, Cousins has far exceeded expectations since coming out of college. After taking the job away from the oft-injured Robert Griffin III, the future became bright for the former Spartan. Passing for over 4,000 yards the past three seasons and leading the Redskins to the playoffs in 2015, Cousins has enjoyed his fair share of success. But team president Bruce Allen does not see these numbers lasting and feels this quarterback is not the team’s long-term answer. Cousins’ numbers, including his completion percentage, touchdown-interception ratio, and quarterback rating, have been phenomenal. It would be foolish for a team in need of an elite passer to overlook Cousins. He just might be a quarterback capable of turning any team into an instant playoff contender.

So, where are his possible landing spots? Without question, the New York Jets are the first to come to mind. After planning to release Muhammad Wilkerson and Matt Forte, Gang Green will possess over $100 million in cap room. In addition to this abundant cap space and a clear need for a quarterback, Cousins has expressed strong interest in working with Jets’ current offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates. With Bates coming from the same branch as both Mike and Kyle Shanahan, Cousins is already familiar with his play-calling style and could be a perfect fit. But what if the Jets miss out? The Broncos have been very vocal in wanting to acquire a new quarterback, including linebacker Von Miller whose been campaigning for the team to sign Cousins. Another option is the always needy Browns who also have money to spend under the salary cap, and could pay any amount just to get a win in free agency for their fans. Even the Giants could use a new quarterback. After a disappointing season in which nothing went right, could the other New York team turn to the former quarterback of a division rival and dump two-time Super Bowl winner Eli Manning?

Obviously, Jets fans would love to see Cousins in green and white next season. A veteran QB in his prime, playing in a relatively similar system to what he has been used to is the perfect combination any team could ask for. While the odds are in their favor, there’s a chance one of the other three teams signs Cousins. But the current scenario is a win-win. If the Jets get Cousins, they will be set at the most important position in football. There would be no need to draft a quarterback and they can focus attention elsewhere, such as the secondary or offensive line. If they miss out, all previously mentioned franchises are ahead of New York in this year’s draft. By one of them acquiring Cousins, it would mean a better available quarterback for the Jets from the stacked class. Some standout names include Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, and Josh Allen. All of these players have the caliber to excel at the NFL level and could also prove to be a franchise guy.

Whatever move the Jets make will have a monumental impact on the upcoming season as well as years to follow. For fans, it might finally be time for our J-E-T-S to take centerstage of the NFL.