Washington Redskins: Kirk Cousins gets the ‘big picture’, Doug Williams

May 24, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws the ball during drills as part of Redskins OTAs at Redskins Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
May 24, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws the ball during drills as part of Redskins OTAs at Redskins Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Redskins senior vice president of player personnel Doug Williams was right to inject himself into the Kirk Cousins contract saga, but wrong in his sentiment.

Washington Redskins senior vice president of player personnel and former quarterback Doug Williams wants to be helpful, surely. He wants to be more than his legacy, and he is when it comes to the Redskins nation.

Subsequently, inserting himself into the Kirk Cousins contract saga — still ongoing — makes sense. He’s trying to put his stamp on the situation and offer insight.

However, that doesn’t always work out for the better. On NFL Network, as reported by Pro Football Talk’s Michael David Smith, Williams said this about Cousins’ situation:

"“All I can do is hope and pray that Kirk looks at the big picture and looks at this football team and realizes we do have a solid football team, solid offensive line. He’s got something to work with.”"

What I think is lacking in hoping someone gets the “big picture” is the experience the person has had up to this point. Cousins was the understudy of Robert Griffin III. If RG3 had worked out, we’d probably never know his name. He took advantage of a great opportunity and placed himself at the top of the food chain.

There’s nothing new about that happening. What is new is asking someone to wait for a contract after they’ve been franchised not once, but twice. Either you want the guy or your don’t.

Let’s be clear, Cousins is almost certainly looking at the big picture. If Cousins wasn’t, we’d hear more ranting and raving. You hear nothing. He signed his tag and life went on. Cousins knows the payday is coming. It’s all a matter of time.

Williams speaks the truth, however, in also noting in the same interview that there are big-picture pieces on the Redskins roster. There are some very notable upgrades that have taken place.

Overall, though, the big picture is this: Kirk Cousins knows a good season means a ton of cash. The Redskins knew that if they didn’t stack their deck this season, they would have no money next season to do so.

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Keeping Cousins will come with a price next year, so they chose good housekeeping over his contract. I think Cousins is smart enough to see that. That’s why he’s not saying too much. They’ve supplied him with all the tools he needs to succeed. All he has to do now is win.