Cousins’ situation creates uncertainty for Redskins
RICHMOND, VA. » Another one-year contract was exactly what Kirk Cousins wanted amid a flurry of changes to the Washington Redskins’ roster and front office.
As the first NFL quarterback to play consecutive seasons on the franchise tag, Cousins bought more time to evaluate the direction of the franchise before committing long term.
In that time, the Redskins face an uncertain future as Cousins has the chance to earn a big-money, long-term contract from them or another team.
“I talk about how in the offseason the ball is in the team’s court, as it is, but from Week 1 to Week 17, the ball’s in my court and I’ve got to go play football well,” Cousins said Thursday on the first day of training camp practices.
“All we have to do, all anybody with a one-year deal has to do, is focus on winning football games, and if you do that, there’s going to be plenty of opportunities down the road.”
Cousins will make $23.94 million on the franchise tag in 2017. According to team president Bruce Allen, Cousins’ camp didn’t counter Washington’s offer that would’ve included $53 million guaranteed on a multiyear deal.
If Cousins puts up a third 4,000yard, 20-plus-touchdown season, the 28-year-old could earn much more.
And he holds a significant amount of leverage considering a third season on the franchise tag would cost the Redskins $34.47 million or the transition tag $28.78 million that they wouldn’t get compensation for if someone else offers Cousins a big contract that they don’t match.
Former Redskins offensive coordinators Kyle Shanahan, now coach of the San Francisco 49ers, and Sean McVay, now coach of the Los Angeles Rams, could have particular interest.
For now, the pressure is on Cousins to prove he’s worth the most guaranteed money for a QB at a convenient time with the salary cap expected to increase significantly in 2018.