Following three years of high-quality quarterback play from Kirk Cousins in 2018, the Washington Commanders elected to let their franchise signal-caller walk while trading for Alex Smith. This spiraled into a prolonged period of turbulence at football's most crucial position.
Until now.
Cousins' departure was years in the making. Contract negotiations were never on the same page with the former Michigan State standout, and it proved to be the mistake that set the team back for years to come.
Just how costly was Washington's decision to move on from Cousins? For the next seven seasons, the team would never feature the same Week 1 starting quarterback as the year prior.