Jets and these 3 teams are finalists for Kirk Cousins in free agency

To no surprise, the Jets are expected to be one of four finalists for quarterback Kirk Cousins' services in free agency, according to ESPN.

The others are the Vikings, Cardinals, and Broncos.

Cousins will command big bucks when free agency negotiating officially begins March 12. Two days later, the free agency signing period begins.

But Cousins is not expected to sign immediately, on March 14, like a lot of high-profile free agents will. Instead, he wants to visit the teams he is considering.

The Vikings are in the mix for Cousins because all three of their quarterbacks -- Sam Bradford, Case Keenum, and Teddy Bridgewater -- are going to hit free agency.

The Cardinals saw Carson Palmer retire after last season, so they need a quarterback.

And things haven't exactly worked out for the Broncos in the post-Peyton Manning era, despite them drafting Paxton Lynch 26th overall in 2016, right after Manning retired.

The Jets drafted Christian Hackenberg in the second round that year, hoping he could turn into their franchise quarterback. But he has been a bust so far, and hasn't even been able to get into a regular season game. So here the Jets are, potentially about to spend big on Cousins.

Is Cousins worth the money?

Cousins has said finding a winning organization is his top priority in free agency, but money matters a lot, too, of course.

Of the four finalists for Cousins' services, the Vikings are probably in the best position to win right now. This past season, the Vikings lost in the NFC Championship Game to the Eagles, who went on to win the Super Bowl.

Darryl Slater may be reached at dslater@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DarrylSlater. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook.

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