Skins News of the Day - Tues 11/17

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On Crowder...

 

[Sportster 72]

On Crowder...

I don't know if I can remember what I looked like 30 years ago. I had a lot more hair.

 

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Moses again

 

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Excerpt

Do you feel like the Redskins picking up RGIII’s fifth-year option led to him not playing at all? Let’s say they didn’t pick it up, would he have been given a chance to prove he has improved on the field? Also, are the Redskins really considering paying $17-$20 million a year on Cousins, who hasn’t won a road game since 2012 and has a 1-5 NFC East record? That’s not smart.

– Felix Trammell, Brandywine, Md.

That fifth-year option, which is fully guaranteed only for injury, definitely shortened the leash on Griffin. Inconsistent play during training camp and the preseason, and then the concussion suffered against Detroit, and the risk of further injury, all added up to the decision to bench Griffin. Had he played well in training camp and shined in the preseason and still suffered the concussion, he probably would have retained his job. But because he was still struggling with many of the same issues that hindered his game last season, and because he suffered another injury, the decision to go away from him wasn’t as difficult for the coaching staff and management. Instead of subjecting themselves to the risk of having to pay a badly injured and still-recovering Griffin that $16.1 million next year, they decided to demote him to third string for the year, and then they will likely release him in the offseason.

Liz Clarke spoke to one person with NFL front-office experiencewho believed that if the fourth-year quarterback continues to play well and display improvement, he could land a deal that would pay him in the neighborhood of $17 million to $20 million. It might sound high, but that’s the market value for a quality starting quarterback.

[Quarterback salaries via overthecap.com]

Aaron Rodgers is averaging $22 million in annual salary, Russell Wilson $21.9 million, Ben Roethlisberger $21.85 million, Eli Manning $21 million, Phillip Rivers $20.81 million, Cam Newton $20.76 million, Joe Flacco $20.1 million, Drew Brees $20 million. All those quarterbacks have proven themselves, so it makes sense. But even second-tier quarterbacks are paid well. Matthew Stafford has an average salary of $17.67 million, Alex Smith $17 million, Carson Palmer $16.5 million, Andy Dalton $16 million and Sam Bradford $13 million.

So, considering those numbers, if Cousins maintains the progression he currently has displayed (and that would have to mean leading his team to some more wins, preferably on the road), then he could indeed land himself a nice paycheck. There aren’t many quality quarterbacks set to hit the free-agent market, and the draft isn’t brimming with franchise-quarterback talent. However, a number of teams – Washington, Cleveland, Buffalo, Saint Louis, San Francisco, Houston and the New York Jets – could all be searching for a starting quarterback. That’s a good thing for Cousins.

Jay Gruden said yesterday that he wants to keep Cousins around and players always want security by having a contract. However, I also think Cousins could bet on himself and refuse to sign a contract until after the year plays out and he theoretically increases his value with his play/wins. The Skins always have the franchise tag, but I would think they want to avoid that scenario. How do you see the contract situation playing out? Do you think an offer is made and Cousins signs before the year is up?

– James McDuffie, Potomac, Md.

I don’t think there’s any rush right now. The Redskins still need to see greater consistency from Cousins. He played well the past few games. But doing so for an extended stretch and winning against quality opponents will speak volumes. And you’re right, if Cousins continues to improve, he only earns himself more money. The Redskins do have the franchise tag, but they also could work out a deal with Cousins in that window from January to March before other teams are allowed to negotiate with him. That’s probably best for everyone involved. The Redskins ensure that they don’t prematurely give him a long-term deal, and Cousins gets the chance to drive up his value.