Thanks to Kirk Cousins, the Washington Redskins avoided would could have been a trifecta of public scrutiny.
The Washington Redskins-Kirk Cousins contract saga ends a turbulent offseason of drama in the office. First, there was the firing of former general manager Scot McCloughan. The Redskins office took a lashing for how that was handled.
Then came the public backlash after the Redskins, via circumstance, had the social battle for a name change come to an end. If Kirk Cousins didn’t take the high road on this, the Redskins would have seen a very rough start to their training camp this month.
Lucky for them, they’re in the clear. Even with the strategically timed statement released this week explaining how the team did make an offer, the Cousins camp still took the high road. No one did anything wrong. The Redskins were making their point: An offer was made.
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In response Cousins, who spoke with Grant Paulsen and Danny Rouhier on 106.7 The Fan Tuesday morning, explained in so many words it’s about the business of football:
"“That’s why I say, when the communication was positive and we’re all on the same page, that whatever you want to call it — release, or that statement — was no surprise to me. I knew that something like that was going to be coming out and I understand where he’s coming from. It doesn’t offend me, it doesn’t bother me. I can see myself in his shoes wanting to get the message out. Totally understand that it doesn’t rub me the wrong way at all.”"
The professionalism of Cousins should be well noted. This could have turned into crying on Twitter, or some other public spectacle that would have embarrassed himself and the Redskins organization.
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His response to his situation will probably be part of why he gets a long-term contract worth signing next season. I just don’t think it will be with the Redskins.