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The Kirk Cousins saga continues for the Washington Redskins. The quarterback will play under a franchise tag this season and may have to play under similar circumstances next year if a long-term deal isn't agreed upon.
Despite being unable to agree on a long-term deal with the Redskins, Cousins continues to claim he wants to stay in Washington. Cousins recently reiterated that desire on Saturday while his team faced the Green Bay Packers in a preseason game, transcription via Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
“So I want to be a Washington Redskin, yes,” Cousins said. “That’s an easy answer. Great organization. Phenomenal history. Passionate fan base. Great city. There’s just so many positive teammates. I love my teammates, I love playing with these guys. I don’t need to look elsewhere.”
Unfortunately for Cousins, the Redskins are in complete control of the situation and remain reluctant to commit long-term. Although Cousins has played well during his time in Washington, the team continues to keep their options open as they don't appear sold on the prospect that he's a franchise quarterback in the NFL.
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Even if the Redskins continue to go with one-year options with Cousins after the 2017 NFL season, the Michigan State product stands to become a wealthy man regardless. Washington will have a few options after the 2017 campaign with Cousins standing to benefit financially one way or the other, via Florio.
As it stands, Washington has three options for next year: (1) use the franchise tag again, at $34.47 million for one year; (2) apply the transition tag, at $28.78 million for one year (Cousins then can sign an offer sheet elsewhere, and leave with no compensation if Washington doesn’t match it); or (3) let Cousins become a free agent.
With the incentive of potentially making nearly $35 million next season, Cousins will have to continue to make his case that he is a starter in the NFL and worthy of a big payday.
