LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 23: Quarterback Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants and quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins shake hands after the Redskins defeated the Giants 20-10 at FedExField on November 23, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

NFL execs "downright giddy" as one of the top QBs in the NFL hits the open market

QB-needy teams are thrilled about one free agent.

The Washington Redskins have made a decision on their quarterback for the next few years, and it doesn't include Kirk Cousins.

Washington traded for Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith, and they are extending Smith's contract. He will have a four-year, $94 million deal with the Redskins.

The move means Kirk Cousins will be a free agent, and according to CBS Sports reporter Jason La Canfora, there will be a high demand for Cousins.

Related: Three-time Pro Bowl QB Alex Smith has been traded from the Kansas City Chiefs

It's rare to see a quality starter at quarterback hit free agency, so it's reasonable to assume several QB-needy teams will go after Cousins this offseason. La Canfora said the New York Jets will be tough to beat in the Cousins sweepstakes.

The Denver Broncos could also be in the mix for Cousins. Teams such as the Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars could also factor into the equation, as well as the Arizona Cardinals.

The Jets need a quarterback, and unless they plan to draft one, Cousins could be the best option.

Washington's decision to move on for Cousins in favor of Alex Smith surprised many analysts around the league — especially since Smith is 33. But they couldn't agree to a long term deal with Cousins, so they will hope Smith can win the franchise's first playoff game since 2005.