Kirk Cousins Suitors If Washington Can’t Lock Him Up

The Washington Redskins used the franchise tag on Kirk Cousins, but many still aren’t sure if they’re prepared to pay him for the long-term.

After all, he has only had what amounts to one really good season as start for the team.  He finished with over 4,100 yards and 29 touchdowns to just 11 interceptions.  It wasn’t enough to get him into the Pro Bowl (though it probably should’ve) but it did get the Redskins to the playoffs and convinced them enough to use the franchise tag in order to make sure he didn’t go anywhere in free agency.

Since then Cousins has tried everything he can to get a long-term deal done but the two sides haven’t found a number they both like.  There is still time for something to break of course.  July 15th is the league deadline for contract extensions to get done.  Still, there is a growing belief that the Redskins aren’t ready to commit top money to the 27-year old.

Part of the reason is before last year he wasn’t that great of a player whenever he appeared on field.  There is also the fact that he benefited from a rather easy schedule in 2015.  Albert Breer of the MMQB thinks Washington wants to play the waiting game in order to see whether or not his season was a one-year wonder or if he’s legit.

"“Far more complicated is the negotiation between Kirk Cousins and the Redskins. The assumption now, according to both sides, is that Cousins will play the 2016 season on his $19.95 million franchise tender. The Redskins and Cousins’ camp have spoken over the last week or so, and while talks remain amicable they’re going nowhere. The baseline, as Cousins’ side sees it here, is the $44 million the quarterback would get when you add this year’s tag and next year’s tag together, in the first two years of any new deal. Washington has basically communicated that it wants to see Cousins do it again before making that sort of financial leap. The risk for the Skins, of course, would be that Luck resets the market, Cousins lights it up again, and then they’re negotiating off a $23.94 million tag next spring.”"

This is a fascinating situation because of how many different ways it can go.  Of course, the one everybody will focus on is whether the Redskins might actually pass on giving him such a large deal, not believing he’s worth the kind of money Super Bowl winners and MVPs tend to make.  If that were to happen by the time 2017 NFL free agency comes around, the conversation will shift to which teams might make a run at him.

Here is a short list to watch carefully.

Buffalo Bills

For the time being it looks like the Bills are content to ride out the year with Tyrod Taylor under center, who did go to the Pro Bowl for what it’s worth.  Even so, there is a general feeling that the team will look to replace him at the first opportunity.  Cousins is much more the traditional style of passer who might be able to bring the most out of their young receivers.

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New York Jets

It doesn’t look like the Ryan Fitzpatrick question will be answered, leaving the New York Jets in yet another quarterback quagmire.  Geno Smith may be the starter this year, but not beyond.  There is no telling when (or even if) Christian Hackenberg can become the player everybody hopes.  With so many questions, a smart and efficient player like Cousins would look mighty tempting for this veteran team in need of a quick fix.

San Francisco 49ers

Chip Kelly is always open to adding new quarterbacks every year, but he may have good reason to in 2017.  Blaine Gabbert and Colin Kaepernick will have a competition for the starting job this season, but there is no telling whether either of them is the answer.  Kirk Cousins has that quick, accurate delivery that would fit well into Kelly’s fast-break offense.