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Washington Redskins: Is Kirk Cousins the Future?

By Russell S. Baxter

Jun 14, 2016; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) and Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (16) participate in drills as part of day one of minicamp at Redskins Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2016; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) and Redskins quarterback Colt McCoy (16) participate in drills as part of day one of minicamp at Redskins Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Redskins haven’t been to the Super Bowl since 1991, which is the last time they reached the NFC title game. Can a rising star behind center lead the way and put the team back in the championship hunt?

The answer to the question in the title appears to be yes.

But the Washington Redskins aren’t quite ready to stick the S behind the Y and the E quite yet.

This offseason, the franchise made sure quarterback Kirk Cousins wasn’t going anywhere in 2016 as the free-agent-to-be was given the franchise tag by the organization. The four-year pro quickly signed the tender, valued at $19.953 million (via Spotrac).

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But via sources of Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, there will be no extended deal for the young quarterback despite the team’s fast finish and Cousins’ strong player after a slow start this past season.

Jan 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) and center Josh LeRibeus (67) in action during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. The Redskins defeat the Cowboys 34-23. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) and center Josh LeRibeus (67) in action during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. The Redskins defeat the Cowboys 34-23. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

The leader of the NFC East champions would wind up leading the NFL in completion percentage (69.5). He would hit on 379-of-543 attempts for 4,166 yards and nearly three times as many touchdown passes (29) as interceptions (11). He was sacked 26 times and did lose three of his nine fumbles.

But it’s not how you start sometimes but how you finish, which is likely the reason the Redskins didn’t want Cousins to get away this offseason.

As all NFL fans are likely aware of, the deadline for designated franchise players to agree to long-terms deals is one week from today (July 15). Performers such as Buffalo Bills left tackle Cordy Glenn are locked up for a few years. But wideout Alshon Jeffery – under contract for 2016 – and the Chicago Bears don’t look like their close to a new contract (via Mike Garafolo of NFL.com).

Also keep in mind that there are three franchise players – Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller, New York Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson and Kansas City Chiefs free safety Eric Berry – that haven’t signed their tenders to date. Ed Werder of ESPN has the latest on Miller, while in the case of Wilkerson, Dom Cosentino of NJ.com reports there’s nothing on the horizon at the moment.

But back to Cousins, who threw for 23 scores and only three interceptions in his final 10 games after serving up six touchdown passes and eight picks during the team’s 2-4 start. The improving performer threw two interceptions in four of those first six contests, then settled down to lead the ‘Skins to a 7-3 finish. Cousins followed that up with 329 yards and a score in the club’s 35-18 loss to the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs.

So when it’s all said and done, general manager Scot McCloughan, head coach Jay Gruden and the organization seemingly want to see more from their quarterback before going all-in for the foreseeable future. It’s certainly understandable considering what happened with Robert Griffin III, the 2012 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year who was never the same (both physically and arguably mentally) after injuring his knee that season in the playoffs. And Cousins has only been a starter for one complete season.

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If the Redskins can repeat as division champions and their quarterback can pick up where he left off at midseason, this story will continue throughout the year. And perhaps we’ll see Cousins get that deal before he gets the chance to hit the open market next spring.

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