Washington Redskins: Third franchise tag for Kirk Cousins a win for QB
By Donny Starr
Believe it or not, but Washington Redskins President Bruce Allen might consider a third franchise tag option for quarterback Kirk Cousins in 2018.
The future of Kirk Cousins with the Washington Redskins has been up in the air for some time. While the smart move to most would be locking up the quarterback long-term, that’s yet to happen. As negotiations are currently ongoing with Cousins locked into the franchise tag for the second-straight year, though, there is one truth that’s been accepted.
For better or worse, the assumption has been that, if the Redskins don’t lock up Cousins now, he either will be after the 2017 season or will play elsewhere starting in 2018. For most, that seemst to make sense.
According to CSN Mid-Atlantic’s J.P. Finley, however, team president Bruce Allen has options:
"Those options include the exclusive franchise tag, the non-exclusive franchise tag and the transition tag. Both franchise tags carry the same cost, but the non-exclusive allows Cousins’ representatives to shop his services around the NFL. If a deal gets struck, and the Redskins don’t match the contract, Washington is due two first-round draft picks as compensation for losing their franchise player."
While many speculate the possibilities of Cousins and the Redskins agreeing on a long-term deal before the July deadline, the question somehow still remains: Why not sign him to a contract?
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Cousins finished the 2016 season with a quarterback rating of 97.2, throwing for more than 4,000 yards and 25 touchdowns. The average spectator may consider his stats more than enough reason to sign Cousins. That is not the case for the Redskins. What are they looking for? No one knows.
In fact, it could come down to the money, according to former Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan. Earlier this month, he stated the lack of a contract for Cousins was to have the financial ability to grab more players for the upcoming season.
If this is the case, that could be the reason Cousins taking his contract status with ease. If he knows they’re trying to build a team to help him succeed, he’ll stay quiet. However, should the Redskins reach the playoffs in 2017, there could be more of a buzz from his camp about a contract, citing his patience and accomplishments.
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Either way, Cousins wins. Not only does he get new targets and more support, but double the money. This only makes the Redskins front office look bad. If Cousins walks, he would be justified. And Washington would be left without a proven quarterback under center.