Washington Redskins: Will one-year deals become Kirk Cousins’ norm?
By Donny Starr
Will Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins contract status make one-year deals a thing?
Maybe everyone has been looking at the Kirk Cousins contract situation all wrong. The thought has always been for the Washington Redskins commit to the quarterback, or any player. However, with teams under more and more stress each year to make the playoffs, if not the Super Bowl, forming dream teams under one-year contracts wouldn’t be a problem.
If it didn’t work out, everyone parts ways — no harm no foul. Cousins still will make millions. On top of what he makes this year from being tagged, he stands to make even more next season in Washington, or another team.
According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, this can be good or bad for Cousins:
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"With most NFL contracts quickly becoming year-to-year propositions from the team’s perspective, Cousins has proven the value of a year-to-year approach from the player’s perspective. To trade in his chance to push this dance to the limit by forcing Washington to make a tough decision for a third straight year, it’s going to take a lot of money. It’s likely going to take a lot more money than Washington is willing to pay."
The Redskins spent the past two years tearing down and building up their organization. Watching Cousins walk out the door resets the clock of success for them. That would mean either testing their luck again with a veteran quarterback implant (never forget Donovan McNabb) or going back to the NFL Draft.
At this point, Cousins’ contract status does more good than bad. It’s providing more and more insight on the lack of commitment and getting paid rather than dedication to building dynasties. This is not the NFL your father or grandfather knew. At the end of the day, it’s about the money. Then again, it’s always been about the money, but it was once a little more goal oriented.
As of this moment, Cousins is expected to make about $23 million this year. If Redskins team president Bruce Allen makes good on his idea to tag him a third time, Cousins will rake in $35 million for 2018.