Redskins' Kirk Cousins: Still far apart on extension terms

[SoCalWizFan]

Nope...100% of the blame falls on the front office because they could have had a 16 mil deal and balked placing the FT on him. They could have had a 19 mil deal and balked placing a second FT on him. No matter what, it is on the front office.

Again - who cares. I just want to see this worked out to the benefit of the Redskins & don't give a crap whether this falls on the Redskins, Cousins or both. My main concern is that if they don't work this out this week then it will be very difficult (and costly at best) to work this out next offseason, and I see the option of moving on without Cousins as not being a good one IMO.

 

[SoCalWizFan]

There were also several positive points in that article.

It also sounds like the Redskins are not totally against the idea of tagging Cousins next offseason which would be complete insanity. That would basically involve paying him over $50M guaranteed with no guarantee of having him past next season. Pretty much puts a hole in the argument that several folks make about Cousins' salary preventing them for making other moves - since those tags prevent them from doing a lot & the money can't be applied to future years unlike an extension.

 

[skinsdad62]

With one week to go before the annual window on negotiating a long-term deal with Washington closes, quarterback Kirk Cousins has spoken again regarding his situation. In short, he says it’s not about the money. Which, of course, means that it’s about the money.

“I never want to play football thinking about money,” Cousins told WAVY.com at his annual football camp, via the Washington Post. “I think that you get in trouble doing that. I put my confidence in the Lord, in my faith. If I’m gonna build my life [based] on money shame on me. That’s not where I draw my security from, never should be. My parents didn’t raise me that way.”

Kirk’s parents apparently raised him to rely on doctors to handle medical issues, lawyers to handle legal issues, and agents to handle business issues. Which is a pretty good way to be raised.

“I hired my agent to do his job,” Cousins said. “I gotta go play football and throw touchdown passes and help our team win. I’ve got plenty to work on there so I’ll let my agent do his job. I’ll do mine and the good news is I’m under contract for this season and in a good place.”

These words conflict with Cousins’ past comments on the issue. In January, he defended seeking top dollar from Washington by arguing that “it would be almost a selfish move to hurt future quarterbacks who get in a position to have a contract” of their own.

“f you don’t take a deal that’s fair to you, then you’re also taking a deal that’s not fair to them and you’re setting them back as well,” Cousins said.

That sounds like an agent-driven explanation, and Cousins has now made it clear that this is an agent-driven process. Which is smart by Cousins, but which also confirms that a long-deal isn’t likely by next Monday at 4:00 p.m. ET, the deadline for doing a multi-year contract.

The agent, Mike McCartney, knows how to calculate a long-term deal based on the leverage of a $23.94 million franchise tender in 2017 and the promise of a 20-percent raise (under the transition tag) or a 44-percent raise (under the franchise tag) for 2018. At a minimum, it means that Cousins should get more than $52 million fully guaranteed at signing, to cover the first two years of the deal.

There’s no reason for McCartney to give Washington a discount on that amount, and by Cousins saying “I hired my agent to do his job,” this means Cousins won’t pull a Tom Brady and order the agent to take less than top dollar.

So why is Cousins mincing words and tiptoeing around the truth? Because Cousins knows that fans will blame him for being greedy and not the team for being cheap if/when a deal isn’t done.

These comments strongly suggest a deal won’t be done, unless Washington finally decides to forget about not one but two past opportunities to get him signed for a lot less than it would cost now, and to get something finalized before it costs even more in 2018.

here is what Mitz neglected to put in quotes

 

[skinsdad62]

we will have a better feel for this around friday

 

[skinsdad62]

if its worked out it wont matter whose "fault " it is/was. . if it goes south then that debate will continue

i feel all of this will be worked out and it will all be water under the bridge

 

[skinsdad62]

• 
  
  John KeimESPN Staff Writer

The Washington Redskins and quarterback Kirk Cousins have reached yet another critical juncture in their relationship. They have one week to strike a long-term deal or continue this contract dance next offseason. If no deal is struck by the July 17 deadline to place the franchise tag on players, Cousins will play a second-consecutive season under the tag.

A deal remains a long shot, but that doesn’t mean it won't happen. Here's a look at the situation entering the final week before the deadline:

What's the holdup?

Several issues exist. One, Cousins will make $23.9 million in guaranteed money this season by playing under the tag. If he plays out the season and then hits free agency, he could make another $50 million in fully guaranteed money.

So it's simple: Cousins' side wants an offer to reflect that leverage; the Redskins don't want to go nearly that high. If Cousins accepted an offer for, say, $40 million fully guaranteed, he'd end up leaving around $33 million in fully guaranteed money on the table -- unless it's an extension.

Cousins' agent, Mike McCartney, has met with Redskins president Bruce Allen on at least two occasions since late March. It's uncertain if the Redskins have made a stronger pitch than the five-year, $20 million-per-year offer made before the combine. Multiple sources close to Cousins have remained pessimistic; that hasn't changed in a long time.

The Redskins needed to get a deal done last offseason when the price was more modest -- by perhaps $5 million per year less on the average base salary. When that didn't happen, it became unlikely a deal would be struck this offseason because of the rising cost.

It did not sit well when the Redskins made low offers in 2015, when Cousins was coming off a record-setting season in his first full year as a starter. Their initial offer was for around $12 million per year, before upping it to $16 million per year with $24 million guaranteed. Because of the tag, Cousins knew he'd make $19.95 million guaranteed and then would be tagged again or hit free agency.

Cousins' side believed that if former Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III had posted similar numbers, the Redskins wouldn't have hesitated to give him a big contract. And they wondered if Cousins was still viewed as a fourth-round pick (which he was in 2012). Inside the organization, it was clear last offseason -- and into the 2016 season -- that multiple people wanted to see more from Cousins before committing such a haul.

The timing has worked against the Redskins. Cousins excelled in the final year of his contract. There were missed opportunities, but it was the passing game that powered the Redskins' offense. Now Cousins' leverage works against them, too. The Redskins have been reluctant to pay him approximately $20 million more per year than backup Colt McCoy, whom they like.

Could this be Cousins' last season in Washington?

Kirk Cousins passed for 4,917 yards last season, the third-highest total in the NFL, and 25 TDs. Steve Nurenberg/Icon Sportswire
Yes, but you can't assume it's a foregone conclusion. It's not. For whatever reason, the vibe toward Cousins changed in mid-March, shortly after general manager Scot McCloughan was fired. Whether coincidence or not, the perception has been that the Redskins are more unified in their feelings toward Cousins -- or at least in how they're communicating their message. To be clear, it wasn't McCloughan preventing a deal in the past but, regardless, the tone has changed.

Owner Dan Snyder got more involved, too, and that's made a big difference over the past several months. There's been a much more positive tone, which matters. That might not get a deal done now, but it could set one up for after the season.

Another factor: Multiple sources close to Cousins say he was encouraged by how the spring workouts went. He was tight with former offensive coordinator Sean McVay, who called the plays the past two seasons before leaving to coach the Los Angeles Rams. One source said having coach Jay Gruden call plays for Cousins this season will lead to a tighter bond -- and they were off to a good start this spring. They obviously worked together in the past, but they'll work together more now, and a strong relationship would help the chances of a Cousins return.

Another potential factor will be the birth of Cousins' first child in September. Both his family and his wife's are on the East Coast. That won't stop him from going to, say, San Francisco. But it also could help keep him in Washington -- if all else is right.

Finally, shortly after Doug Williams was promoted to senior vice president of personnel, he said he wanted to keep Cousins "in the worst way." Those words were noticed by Cousins' camp.

Still, no deal now means the Redskins risk losing Cousins next offseason. San Francisco, with former Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan now in charge, would definitely be interested -- and that interest would be mutual. If Jared Goff stumbles badly with the Rams, they, too, would want Cousins.

Clearly, he'll have options. But if the good vibes continue, and the Redskins have a good season, then they definitely have a shot at keeping him. However, other teams potentially will have a shot, too.

Could they tag him again?

Neither one makes a lot of sense, but, yes, they are options. The Redskins could use the franchise tag on Cousins a third time, but it would cost them at least $34 million.

They could use the transition tag at a cost of approximately $28 million, something not everyone connected to Cousins views as a realistic scenario. The Redskins could match any offer by another team but would receive no compensation if they don't.

Also, there's just as good a chance that Cousins would sign the transition tag immediately. Combined with the previous tags, he would enter 2019 free agency having made $72 million guaranteed in three years.

Will they get a deal done?

My prediction is, and has been, no, with the caveat that anything can happen in this industry. Still, it would take a major change on both sides. Nobody close to Cousins has expressed any optimism that a deal will get done, barring a huge last-minute bump in the Redskins' offer. Even then, there's zero guarantee Cousins would sign now anyway, knowing he can take this year to get a good read on the direction of the organization, how it goes with Gruden calling plays and the success of the team.

A deal remains a long shot. It's been that way for a long time.

here is the full article . seems shark to the dismay of others is right about RG3 and their camp has let that be known

 

[skinsdad62]

Rich Tandler‏Verified account @Rich_TandlerCSN 7h7 hours ago



Rich Tandler Retweeted Kevin Wilson

Certainly some do. My sense is it’s nowhere near the majority who view KC as “greedy”. Don’t think it’s “average” view point.

 

[chillerdab]

No Butt Hurt involved dude. I just find it rather coincidental that most of the people quick to pass judgement and assign blame to Cousins for this impasse, were also the ones quick to jump to the whole Kirk should never be starting and he will fail line of thinking when he was named the starter. IM not a religious man, but Im not going to question the mans faith or his motives because at the end of the day, Im sure 95% of us would handle it the exact same way. Now sure you have the Brady taking less argument ( but forget that he had already made well over $150M when he decided to give the team a break). You got Carr who apparently didnt take ALL the money he could have. But at the end of the day, Carr also was not in a situation where Cousins is. At the end of the day I respect the man because instead of spending the first three years of his career moping he actually worked on getting better. He finally does, and you still have Skins fans proclaiming we should move on. I think alot of folks had a negative against Kirk that had more to do with who he replaced, than who he is or has become for this team. And its that portion of the fan base/posters that I see taking every possible negative about Kirk and running with it as if it were gospel.

The truth is that you don't have any idea if I was "quick to pass judgement to Cousins for this impasse," any more than you have any idea if I was "quick to jump to the whole 'Kirk should never be starting and he will fail' line of thinking."

You have YOUR OPINION.

Since I last joined the SportsHoopla Jan 14, 2014, I have apparently 359 posts - or about one every 3 days.
Since you last joined the SportsHoopla, on July 4, 2013, you have apparently 12,992 posts - or about TEN TIMES the amount of posts that I have, in only six months more time.

You're used to "hearing yourself talk." I get it.

You're wrong on all accounts, but I get it. You love yourself some you.

Awesome! Have at it.

Like SoCal said: "The blame could be put on both sides & if this is resolved this week then who really cares."

 

[chillerdab]

If Cousins is griping about what would have happened if RG3 had put up those numbers, than he's being an even bigger dick than I previously thought.

If Cousins is griping about whether or not he is perceived as a fourth round pick as opposed to a franchise leader, you can add words like "diva" and "primadonna," to the list of superlatives that some might call KC.

It isn't like the redskins are offering him a minimum salary. $16 million instead of $20 million two years ago is still SIXTEEN MILLION DOLLARS.

Sack up, Cousins. Stop crying and come to the negotiating table (assuming he's not).

 

[deanpet21]

If Cousins is griping about what would have happened if RG3 had put up those numbers, than he's being an even bigger dick than I previously thought.

If Cousins is griping about whether or not he is perceived as a fourth round pick as opposed to a franchise leader, you can add words like "diva" and "primadonna," to the list of superlatives that some might call KC.

It isn't like the redskins are offering him a minimum salary. $16 million instead of $20 million two years ago is still SIXTEEN MILLION DOLLARS.

Sack up, Cousins. Stop crying and come to the negotiating table (assuming he's not).

I agree. Bringing RG3 into the negotiation table is crazy. IMO this is all a ploy that KC will turn down all offers from the Redskins. I think he wants to hit FA next year. I still believe wait and see is the best option. If KC has a bad year we move on. If KC has a good year then we have a shot at signing him next year. If he refused then we move on. IF he signs great.

Even if the deal doesn't get done by 7/17 we still have a shot next year if KC plays well. So use Staffords contract as a base next year if KC plays well. Then work from there. I don't think Kc has any intention to sign with us right now. Just my opinion.

 

[SoCalWizFan]

I agree. Bringing RG3 into the negotiation table is crazy. IMO this is all a ploy that KC will turn down all offers from the Redskins. I think he wants to hit FA next year. I still believe wait and see is the best option. If KC has a bad year we move on. If KC has a good year then we have a shot at signing him next year. If he refused then we move on. IF he signs great.

Even if the deal doesn't get done by 7/17 we still have a shot next year if KC plays well. So use Staffords contract as a base next year if KC plays well. Then work from there. I don't think Kc has any intention to sign with us right now. Just my opinion.

Nobody is stating that Cousins is making references to RG3. Here is the quote from that article:

Cousins' side believed that if former Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III had posted similar numbers, the Redskins wouldn't have hesitated to give him a big contract. And they wondered if Cousins was still viewed as a fourth-round pick (which he was in 2012).

If this is even true it is obvious this is coming from his agent & not him - standard operating procedure for most that will be forgotten if/when a deal is made. It is just part of the process.

Your logic makes no sense. You appear to take exception with Cousins wanting a big guarantee - say $70M. Fine. Yet you want them to pay Cousins on the tag which has already amounted to over $40M by now (& about $70 M if tagged next offseason). If they extend him next offseason the combined total for tagging & his guarantees will likely be over $100M. Please tell me how that makes sense. You appear to want everything risk free - sorry the NFL & life in general doesn't work that way.

 

[Sharkinva]

This from an insider article


If the Redskins lock up quarterback Kirk Cousins to a long-term deal, then their future looks much brighter. But if Washington lets Cousins walk next year, who's the replacement moving forward?

This is and will be the question if this deal does not get done. What moves do the Redskins make to replace him, and at what cost.

 

[deanpet21]

Nobody is stating that Cousins is making references to RG3. Here is the quote from that article:

Cousins' side believed that if former Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III had posted similar numbers, the Redskins wouldn't have hesitated to give him a big contract. And they wondered if Cousins was still viewed as a fourth-round pick (which he was in 2012).

If this is even true it is obvious this is coming from his agent & not him - standard operating procedure for most that will be forgotten if/when a deal is made. It is just part of the process.

Your logic makes no sense. You appear to take exception with Cousins wanting a big guarantee - say $70M. Fine. Yet you want them to pay Cousins on the tag which has already amounted to over $40M by now (& about $70 M if tagged next offseason). If they extend him next offseason the combined total for tagging & his guarantees will likely be over $100M. Please tell me how that makes sense. You appear to want everything risk free - sorry the NFL & life in general doesn't work that way.

My logic is that KC wants to become a FA. I don't see a LTD being done by 7/17. We have no proof of offers or counter offers.

 

[Sharkinva]

My logic is that KC wants to become a FA. I don't see a LTD being done by 7/17. We have no proof of offers or counter offers.

So out of curiosity... if there have been no offers or counter offers, why are you assuming this is because Kirk WANTS to hit free agency? Isnt it just as likely that the front office WANTS to keep playing the wait and see game, but doesnt want to come out and say, we are going to wait an see where we end up drafting next year??

 

[deanpet21]

So out of curiosity... if there have been no offers or counter offers, why are you assuming this is because Kirk WANTS to hit free agency? Isnt it just as likely that the front office WANTS to keep playing the wait and see game, but doesnt want to come out and say, we are going to wait an see where we end up drafting next year??

Honestly. I think both parities don't want to see an offer. Its wait and see for another year. Then this gets dealt with next offseason. I know you guys don't want to hear that but that is what I think will happen.

 

[Sharkinva]

Honestly. I think both parities don't want to see an offer. Its wait and see for another year. Then this gets dealt with next offseason. I know you guys don't want to hear that but that is what I think will happen.

Oh I agree. I just think that its more because this is where the Redskins wanted to be, but not who they wanted to be there with.

 

[deanpet21]

Oh I agree. I just think that its more because this is where the Redskins wanted to be, but not who they wanted to be there with.

They are not ready to break the bank for him this year. Maybe next year is a different story.

 

[Sharkinva]

They are not ready to break the bank for him this year. Maybe next year is a different story.

I think next year, unless Kirk has either won a Super Bowl, or gotten us damn close, they will have the same line of thinking as they had in 2012. Whats it going to take for us to draft (insert college star). And they will justify it by saying Kirk wasnt being reasonable, didnt want to be here, and we have enough talent on this team to make (insert college star) an elite QB.

 

[deanpet21]

I think next year, unless Kirk has either won a Super Bowl, or gotten us damn close, they will have the same line of thinking as they had in 2012. Whats it going to take for us to draft (insert college star). And they will justify it by saying Kirk wasnt being reasonable, didnt want to be here, and we have enough talent on this team to make (insert college star) an elite QB.

Im not jumping the gun yet. just let this season play out. Im interested to see what Stafford gets in his deal.

 

[Sharkinva]

Im not jumping the gun yet. just let this season play out. Im interested to see what Stafford gets in his deal.

Stafford is going to get $26-28M a year and probably $70M+ fully guaranteed. Which again would drive the QB market up. And I fully buy into the idea that Dan would rather cut off his nose to spite his face, rather than give Kirk that kind of deal and have to hear how Mike Shanahan was smarter than he is. Also think the only reason they used the Exclusive tag was to prevent Kirk from signing an offer sheet with the Niners. And if they tag him next year, it will be in the hopes that some one other than the Niners wants him. I could see Dan taking a 2nd next year and a 1st in 2019 to send Kirk to the Browns.