Kirk Cousins' future with Redskins lies in play down stretch

[Breed]

You are easily one of my favorite posters even if we don’t always agree.

Right back at you, homey. One of the cooler things about this little slice of Redskins heaven is even there are posters I don't always agree with. I find most of the opinions here to be reasonable. That and coach can make me laugh with his unique take on the game of football.

I was thinking about some shit today that coach said in fact. Something about drafting a player the caliber of Trent Williams every couple years. So when OG Trent gets hurt, Trent the 2nd or 3rd can just seamlessly move right into the line up. Yeah, I liked that one.

 

[Sharkinva]

Right back at you, homey. One of the cooler things about this little slice of Redskins heaven is even there are posters I don't always agree with. I find most of the opinions here to be reasonable. That and coach can make me laugh with his unique take on the game of football.

I was thinking about some shit today that coach said in fact. Something about drafting a player the caliber of Trent Williams every couple years. So when OG Trent gets hurt, Trent the 2nd or 3rd can just seamlessly move right into the line up. Yeah, I liked that one.

Would that we had a roster jacked enough that we could simply draft an all pro LT every couple of years because we didnt have any other needs.

 

[Breed]

Would that we had a roster jacked enough that we could simply draft an all pro LT every couple of years because we didnt have any other needs.

Shit, homey. The cap couldn't go up fast enough to support that. Its great to wish we could draft legitimate starters in every rd of the draft, but that's 7 studs you'd also have to pay big money to soon which you couldn't do. Basically all ypu'd be doing is grooming 3 or 4 bad asses for someone else's team when they hit their prime years.

 

[deanpet21]

I can think of three solid reasons that have nothing to do with greed or money.

1. He could feel that the front office will always be looking to replace him with a more exciting QB

2. He could feel that while the System is a good fit, the reality is that he is a very good QB that makes the system here work, and not that the system is so good any one could do well here.

3. Despite the money they will have to throw at him to keep him, just maybe he doesnt want to work for Dan and Bruce no matter how much they offer him. Some times ones self worth is worth taking a pay cut, And if one can maintain self worth, and still get paid... all the better.

I don't think he would leave Gruden. Forget the front office. He has to work with Gruden everyday. If he loves his head coach that trumps who is in the front office. If he leaves to go to a better team that is another thing. But if he takes 5mg more to go to Arizona for example than that is just greed.

 

[Sharkinva]

I don't think he would leave Gruden. Forget the front office. He has to work with Gruden everyday. If he loves his head coach that trumps who is in the front office. If he leaves to go to a better team that is another thing. But if he takes 5mg more to go to Arizona for example than that is just greed.

Dean you excel at trying to drive the narrative. But reality is, Gruden is his supervisor. Plenty of folks have worked for a manager they liked, but left a crappy company. You keep trying to steer things in a fashion where if he leaves, its all about money. The reality is, Kirk is going to get paid, and paid well. Unless he throws 5 INTs per game over the next five games, he is going to make alot of money. He will basically have his choice of a few teams. The amount of money wont be that different and if he leaves for some place that did offer him more than the Redskins, it wont simply be because they offered more money. I know that fits into your view of him as a greedy QB who isnt really worth the money. But that simply isnt the case. He is going to do whats best for him, not just from a dollars stand point, but from a where do I see my career going stand point.

 

[deanpet21]

Dean you excel at trying to drive the narrative. But reality is, Gruden is his supervisor. Plenty of folks have worked for a manager they liked, but left a crappy company. You keep trying to steer things in a fashion where if he leaves, its all about money. The reality is, Kirk is going to get paid, and paid well. Unless he throws 5 INTs per game over the next five games, he is going to make alot of money. He will basically have his choice of a few teams. The amount of money wont be that different and if he leaves for some place that did offer him more than the Redskins, it wont simply be because they offered more money. I know that fits into your view of him as a greedy QB who isnt really worth the money. But that simply isnt the case. He is going to do whats best for him, not just from a dollars stand point, but from a where do I see my career going stand point.

IF the folks who worked for that manager, make what KC is going to make, they wouldn't leave. Who cares about the company if you are getting paid well. If you make good money and you love your manager that is the perfect place to work if you ask me. Plus you cant compare the average working folks to these millionaires that is just crazy.

So you say it isn't about the money if he leaves. Use my Arizona Cards example. If he leaves for more money but not a whole a lot more money to go to Arizona with a new offensive system, bad o line, and a aging Fitz how is that a good football decision? It would me a money decision. Even if its only 5mg more. That is greed.

 

[skinsdad62]

I can think of three solid reasons that have nothing to do with greed or money.

1. He could feel that the front office will always be looking to replace him with a more exciting QB

2. He could feel that while the System is a good fit, the reality is that he is a very good QB that makes the system here work, and not that the system is so good any one could do well here.

3. Despite the money they will have to throw at him to keep him, just maybe he doesnt want to work for Dan and Bruce no matter how much they offer him. Some times ones self worth is worth taking a pay cut, And if one can maintain self worth, and still get paid... all the better.

didnt we tell dean these things over a year ago ? he still sees only dollars signs or his microhate blinds him

 

[skinsdad62]

Charley Casserly: Redskins can't afford to let Kirk Cousins go

casserly on KC contract . geez shark and i along with j-y and others have seen this about 3 years ago . the expert and the ABCers are just now catching on

 

[skinsdad62]

760

Running out of options, the Redskins will need to deploy the non-exclusive franchise tag on quarterback Kirk Cousins this offseason unless a long-term deal can be reached.

Why? Because nothing else will make sense.

As the Redskins season nears the final quarter, and thoughts about the franchise’s future come closer into view, the organization must again revisit what to do with Cousins.

For two straight years, the team used the franchise tag to retain Cousins. In 2016, it cost $20 million. In 2017, it cost $24 million.

In 2018, that figure jumps to a staggering $34 million.

The $10 million increase is significant, but compared to the other options facing the team, it’s the right path.

RELATED: HOW MANY QBS ARE DEFINITELY BETTER THAN COUSINS? THE LIST IS SHORT

Again, the Redskins should make every effort to get a long-term contract signed with Cousins, but history suggests that will be tough to complete.

Assuming a deal doesn’t get done by the late February deadline to use a tag, Washington must go with the non-exclusive franchise option.

Some will argue for the less expensive transition tag. Yes, that carries a lower price tag of nearly $29 million. That $5 million savings, however, amounts to about three percent of the projected salary cap.

Here's the quick math: This season, Cousins amounts to about 14 percent of the team's $167 million salary cap. Assume the 2018 NFL salary cap comes in around $168 million. The transition tag would eat up about 17 percent of that, the franchise tag would amount to 20 percent.

That (relatively) minor savings does not warrant losing a franchise passer, and odds are, if the Redskins use the transition tag, Cousins will leave.

The transition tag basically grants Cousins the opportunity to pursue free agency. He can talk to any NFL team he chooses, and sign an offer sheet.

The Redskins would have the chance to match any offer sheet, but two problems could arise. First, a team could front-load a contract in a manner that Washington would be unable or unwilling to match. Second, if Cousins signs elsewhere, the Redskins get no compensation.

By using the non-exclusive tag, Cousins can request permission to negotiate with other NFL teams. Should the Redskins grant permission, and a deal get reached between the QB and another franchise, then the two sides must work out compensation.

That compensation discussion begins with two first round picks. Losing a franchise passer like Cousins would never be easy, but getting a sizable package of draft picks in return would lessen the blow.

Remember, too, it’s entirely possible Cousins will not enter into talks about a multi-year contract with the Redskins. That was the route Cousins and his representatives chose during the 2017 offseason.

The quarterback still maintains all the leverage, and throughout this process has talked about his desire to get 'market value' for his services.

For Bruce Allen and the Washington brass, the priority should be simple: Sign Cousins long-term. If that doesn’t happen, give him the non-exclusive tag and see what happens.

RELATED: WEEK 12 NFL POWER RANKINGS

Yes, spending the extra $5 million guaranteed to go from the transition tag to the franchise tag could hinder the Redskins ability to bring back or sign new free agents. Of course. But it's also the only track to guarantee Cousins stays with the team, or if he leaves, the team gets compensation.

Not all free agent decisions are hits either. For example, Terrelle Pryor will cost the Redskins $6 million this season, and nobody would argue that value was comparable to losing Cousins. Plus, the salary cap will increase again next season, further driving down the overall percentage that Cousins will contribute to the entire Redskins salary base.

Also, under Allen, the Redskins rarely even use their full salary cap allotment. In 2017, the Redskins came in nearly $3 million under the cap. In 2016, the Redskins were $14 million under the cap, astonishing for a playoff contender.

The absolute worst case scenario would be to again pay Cousins for a one-year deal, and lose him to free agency in 2019. Unfortunately for Redskins fans, that worst case scenario remains very much in play.

Don't for a second think that just because the 49ers might have located their quarterback of the future in Jimmy Garoppolo that there will be less interest in Cousins on the open market. There are never enough quarterbacks in the NFL, and Cousins play in 2017 suggests he belongs in the conversation among the league's best passers. Plenty of teams will open up the bank vault for a shot at the Redskins passing yards record holder.

Working out a long-term deal with Cousins should be the goal in Washington this offseason, but the non-exclusive franchise tag should absolutely be the contingency plan

good to see the press catch up to what this board is saying for years

 

[deanpet21]

760

Running out of options, the Redskins will need to deploy the non-exclusive franchise tag on quarterback Kirk Cousins this offseason unless a long-term deal can be reached.

Why? Because nothing else will make sense.

As the Redskins season nears the final quarter, and thoughts about the franchise’s future come closer into view, the organization must again revisit what to do with Cousins.

For two straight years, the team used the franchise tag to retain Cousins. In 2016, it cost $20 million. In 2017, it cost $24 million.

In 2018, that figure jumps to a staggering $34 million.

The $10 million increase is significant, but compared to the other options facing the team, it’s the right path.

RELATED: HOW MANY QBS ARE DEFINITELY BETTER THAN COUSINS? THE LIST IS SHORT

Again, the Redskins should make every effort to get a long-term contract signed with Cousins, but history suggests that will be tough to complete.

Assuming a deal doesn’t get done by the late February deadline to use a tag, Washington must go with the non-exclusive franchise option.

Some will argue for the less expensive transition tag. Yes, that carries a lower price tag of nearly $29 million. That $5 million savings, however, amounts to about three percent of the projected salary cap.

Here's the quick math: This season, Cousins amounts to about 14 percent of the team's $167 million salary cap. Assume the 2018 NFL salary cap comes in around $168 million. The transition tag would eat up about 17 percent of that, the franchise tag would amount to 20 percent.

That (relatively) minor savings does not warrant losing a franchise passer, and odds are, if the Redskins use the transition tag, Cousins will leave.

The transition tag basically grants Cousins the opportunity to pursue free agency. He can talk to any NFL team he chooses, and sign an offer sheet.

The Redskins would have the chance to match any offer sheet, but two problems could arise. First, a team could front-load a contract in a manner that Washington would be unable or unwilling to match. Second, if Cousins signs elsewhere, the Redskins get no compensation.

By using the non-exclusive tag, Cousins can request permission to negotiate with other NFL teams. Should the Redskins grant permission, and a deal get reached between the QB and another franchise, then the two sides must work out compensation.

That compensation discussion begins with two first round picks. Losing a franchise passer like Cousins would never be easy, but getting a sizable package of draft picks in return would lessen the blow.

Remember, too, it’s entirely possible Cousins will not enter into talks about a multi-year contract with the Redskins. That was the route Cousins and his representatives chose during the 2017 offseason.

The quarterback still maintains all the leverage, and throughout this process has talked about his desire to get 'market value' for his services.

For Bruce Allen and the Washington brass, the priority should be simple: Sign Cousins long-term. If that doesn’t happen, give him the non-exclusive tag and see what happens.

RELATED: WEEK 12 NFL POWER RANKINGS

Yes, spending the extra $5 million guaranteed to go from the transition tag to the franchise tag could hinder the Redskins ability to bring back or sign new free agents. Of course. But it's also the only track to guarantee Cousins stays with the team, or if he leaves, the team gets compensation.

Not all free agent decisions are hits either. For example, Terrelle Pryor will cost the Redskins $6 million this season, and nobody would argue that value was comparable to losing Cousins. Plus, the salary cap will increase again next season, further driving down the overall percentage that Cousins will contribute to the entire Redskins salary base.

Also, under Allen, the Redskins rarely even use their full salary cap allotment. In 2017, the Redskins came in nearly $3 million under the cap. In 2016, the Redskins were $14 million under the cap, astonishing for a playoff contender.

The absolute worst case scenario would be to again pay Cousins for a one-year deal, and lose him to free agency in 2019. Unfortunately for Redskins fans, that worst case scenario remains very much in play.

Don't for a second think that just because the 49ers might have located their quarterback of the future in Jimmy Garoppolo that there will be less interest in Cousins on the open market. There are never enough quarterbacks in the NFL, and Cousins play in 2017 suggests he belongs in the conversation among the league's best passers. Plenty of teams will open up the bank vault for a shot at the Redskins passing yards record holder.

Working out a long-term deal with Cousins should be the goal in Washington this offseason, but the non-exclusive franchise tag should absolutely be the contingency plan

good to see the press catch up to what this board is saying for years

I agree wit the article except that the 49ers are not in the KC race anymore. Plus this article doesn't state the FA QB's and the 2018 QB draft class when evaluating the off season. IF we can not get a long term deal done and the non exclusive tag is placed on KC then that means we will at least get one first round pick in the 2018 draft. So its definitely not dooms day if he leaves like other think.

 

[skinsdad62]

I agree wit the article except that the 49ers are not in the KC race anymore. Plus this article doesn't state the FA QB's and the 2018 QB draft class when evaluating the off season. IF we can not get a long term deal done and the non exclusive tag is placed on KC then that means we will at least get one first round pick in the 2018 draft. So its definitely not dooms day if he leaves like other think.

as was shown in the last draft not one rookie at qb is playing very well and the one that was is injured none (might concede watson ) can come in and play like KC and deliver 10 wins . the debate that raged all off season was any rookie could come in and any FA could do what KC has done to include colt mccoy

i can search engine all of this if you doubt it

watson , injured , could make an argument he wins 10 games or play at KC level as a rookie
kizer , not a chance
tribusky , not a chance
peterman , laughable
mahomes , cant get on the field
cj beathard not a chance

this team will take a step back if it loses KC . the only people who cant see that are the ones who are haters or cant admit they are wrong

 

[deanpet21]

as was shown in the last draft not one rookie at qb is playing very well and the one that was is injured none (might concede watson ) can come in and play like KC and deliver 10 wins . the debate that raged all off season was any rookie could come in and any FA could do what KC has done to include colt mccoy

i can search engine all of this if you doubt it

watson , injured , could make an argument he wins 10 games or play at KC level as a rookie
kizer , not a chance
tribusky , not a chance
peterman , laughable
mahomes , cant get on the field
cj beathard not a chance

this team will take a step back if it loses KC . the only people who cant see that are the ones who are haters or cant admit they are wrong

You are right for the most part but tribusky is on a awful team and Mahomes wasn't going to play over Alex Smith the way he was playing. You cant say for a certainty that the team takes a step back if we lose KC especially if we get 2 1st rounder's for him in 2018.

No one hates KC. You cant get this through your head. Most people want him to sign back here for the long term. I wouldn't have a problem with it at all. But if he does leave its not doom and gloom. Plus if he leaves will we the fans know the real reason. If Allen offers the Stafford deal and KC doesn't respond at all, how is the Redskin fan base supposed to take that? If the team tries to get a ltd done and offers fair offers and KC doesn't respond are you going to be mad that the non-exclusive tag would be placed on him?

Plus KC hasn't delivered 10 wins yet. I hope he does it this year. The schedule is still favorable even with all our injuries.

 

[Sharkinva]

You are right for the most part but tribusky is on a awful team and Mahomes wasn't going to play over Alex Smith the way he was playing. You cant say for a certainty that the team takes a step back if we lose KC especially if we get 2 1st rounder's for him in 2018.

No one hates KC. You cant get this through your head. Most people want him to sign back here for the long term. I wouldn't have a problem with it at all. But if he does leave its not doom and gloom. Plus if he leaves will we the fans know the real reason. If Allen offers the Stafford deal and KC doesn't respond at all, how is the Redskin fan base supposed to take that? If the team tries to get a ltd done and offers fair offers and KC doesn't respond are you going to be mad that the non-exclusive tag would be placed on him?

Plus KC hasn't delivered 10 wins yet. I hope he does it this year. The schedule is still favorable even with all our injuries.

Trubisky was a #2 over all pick that they traded up to get. So every indication would lead one to think the Bears thought he was an elite QB. As you and many others have pointed out numerous times, Elite QBs make the team around them better. Elite QBs have the ability to cover up for a lacking roster.

If Cousins leaves, we are not doomed, but we will take a step back. And the mantra you pressed for MONTHS that any one could do what he did in this offense would likely be proven false in short order. If he does leave it will have less to do with Greed and more to do with simply not wanting to be in DC. Now I know you will spin it as greed, because it fits your general perception of the man. But most LOGICAL Redskins fans will realize, much like Champ Bailey, Kirk just DIDNT want to be here as the odds are he will get paid about the same no matter where he ends up if its not in DC.

 

[skinsdad62]

You are right for the most part but tribusky is on a awful team and Mahomes wasn't going to play over Alex Smith the way he was playing. You cant say for a certainty that the team takes a step back if we lose KC especially if we get 2 1st rounder's for him in 2018.

No one hates KC. You cant get this through your head. Most people want him to sign back here for the long term. I wouldn't have a problem with it at all. But if he does leave its not doom and gloom. Plus if he leaves will we the fans know the real reason. If Allen offers the Stafford deal and KC doesn't respond at all, how is the Redskin fan base supposed to take that? If the team tries to get a ltd done and offers fair offers and KC doesn't respond are you going to be mad that the non-exclusive tag would be placed on him?

Plus KC hasn't delivered 10 wins yet. I hope he does it this year. The schedule is still favorable even with all our injuries.

i most certainly can . history backs me up on this . the ABCers do not or did not want him back . how do i know this? , the types and intensity of the attacks against him easily point to that with the list of knocks on him. then all the uproar over fictional offers that never happened and questions as to why counter offers werent made and so on . calling him greedy doesnt sing out to me "i love him "

i can search engine all of this because its on record

again i see what you are setting up and i see it from a mile away it wont work

all i have to go back to are the weeks leading up to week one when you proclaimed if we didnt win both of those games vs those easy wins then KC isnt anything but a game manager . turns out those 2 teams are top 3 -4 teams in the NFC . i tried to tell you not to count your chickens before they hatched but you didnt want to listen

when you give a quick short burst of praise on him but argue for weeks about a play he messed up on i cant buy you love him , sorry that dog doesnt hunt

what you are feeling is buyers remorse . you joined the ABC er side and now you are seeing every debate point you had turn to mush on the field by the very standards you set

 

[Sharkinva]

Side note.... Not responding to an offer is the strongest response you can give in a negotiation...

Its called the dont waste my time or yours response.

 

[BottleWalk]

Well today the news came out on twitter via Kirk's dad that he would not have accepted any offer whatsoever form the skins last offseason.

I hate to say it but this to me sounds like pretty solid proof he's playing his last games with the team. The people who said he was a lame duck qb and that he didn't want to stay in the city look as correct as ever and once again the skins have made an irreperably stupid decision in the offseason. What else is new LOL!

Kirk Cousins is a good franchise quarterback, a great guy, and he will be a great piece somewhere else. I, for one, hope he proves all the stupid fans and media members who thought he was trash wrong, for the umpteenth time.......

 

[SoCalWizFan]

Well today the news came out on twitter via Kirk's dad that he would not have accepted any offer whatsoever form the skins last offseason.

I hate to say it but this to me sounds like pretty solid proof he's playing his last games with the team. The people who said he was a lame duck qb and that he didn't want to stay in the city look as correct as ever and once again the skins have made an irreperably stupid decision in the offseason. What else is new LOL!

Kirk Cousins is a good franchise quarterback, a great guy, and he will be a great piece somewhere else. I, for one, hope he proves all the stupid fans and media members who thought he was trash wrong, for the umpteenth time.......

Call me suspicious. This tweet comes at the exact same time that this writer came out with a major story about Cousins - how convenient especially when it is from a fledgling magazine/website.

There was also no context or further explanation for the comment from Cousins' dad. Did he mean that he wouldn't sign anywhere or just in DC? Was he perhaps leaning toward SF which is no longer really an option? I see that this writer is also using this to book time on other radio & TV shows - hmm.

I am not as concerned as you are with this quote. Time will tell, but I still believe that there is a very good chance that Cousins stays in DC.

 

[Caliskinsfan]

Another way to look at the comment

 

[deanpet21]

Trubisky was a #2 over all pick that they traded up to get. So every indication would lead one to think the Bears thought he was an elite QB. As you and many others have pointed out numerous times, Elite QBs make the team around them better. Elite QBs have the ability to cover up for a lacking roster.

If Cousins leaves, we are not doomed, but we will take a step back. And the mantra you pressed for MONTHS that any one could do what he did in this offense would likely be proven false in short order. If he does leave it will have less to do with Greed and more to do with simply not wanting to be in DC. Now I know you will spin it as greed, because it fits your general perception of the man. But most LOGICAL Redskins fans will realize, much like Champ Bailey, Kirk just DIDNT want to be here as the odds are he will get paid about the same no matter where he ends up if its not in DC.

That is crazy to think Trib was supposed to turn around the Bears with that offense in year 1. Plus he wasn't he a day 1 starter so the team knew he was the future not a play now type player You got to be kidding me.

You have no proof that we will take a step back. Of course I know KC is doing a good job this year b/c of all the injuries. You guys think he is Jesus Christ. Give me a game this year that he just dominated excluding NO. Turning down a fair offer to leave his coach and team for money is greed. Of course KC will get paid in Fa no one is debating that.

 

[deanpet21]

i most certainly can . history backs me up on this . the ABCers do not or did not want him back . how do i know this? , the types and intensity of the attacks against him easily point to that with the list of knocks on him. then all the uproar over fictional offers that never happened and questions as to why counter offers werent made and so on . calling him greedy doesnt sing out to me "i love him "

i can search engine all of this because its on record

again i see what you are setting up and i see it from a mile away it wont work

all i have to go back to are the weeks leading up to week one when you proclaimed if we didnt win both of those games vs those easy wins then KC isnt anything but a game manager . turns out those 2 teams are top 3 -4 teams in the NFC . i tried to tell you not to count your chickens before they hatched but you didnt want to listen

when you give a quick short burst of praise on him but argue for weeks about a play he messed up on i cant buy you love him , sorry that dog doesnt hunt

what you are feeling is buyers remorse . you joined the ABC er side and now you are seeing every debate point you had turn to mush on the field by the very standards you set

you gotta to be kidding me. You bring up Week 1. He was bad in Week 1. If he played like a franchise QB we would of won that game. You still think KC won 10 games but he hasn't. just b/c you critique Kc you are labeled a hater. that is a joke. I just commented on what the reporters reported in the offseason. How would I have access behind close doors?

I already told you that im ok with him getting a long term deal so how does that translate to you that im a hater? doesn't make sense.