Fansided

Redskins, Kirk Cousins at stalemate in contract talks

By Matt Verderame

Dec 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins defeated the Eagles, 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins defeated the Eagles, 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Washington Redskins and quarterback kirk Cousins are reportedly at an impasse in contract talks.

Washington won the NFC East with a 9-7 record last season, something many thought would border on impossible before the campaign began. Much of the credit has to reside with quarterback Kirk Cousins, who completed almost 70 percent of his throws while tossing 29 touchdowns against 11 interceptions.

Cousins, 27, is now hitting the free-agent market for the first time in his career and so far, it appears the Redskins will have to place the franchise tag on him to retain his services in 2016. Cousins and the Redskins are at a stalemate in contract negotiations, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

If Cousins is placed on the tag, he will cost approximately $19.6 million against the cap. Currently, Washington has $13.7 million in cap space. Doing the math, the Redskins would have to open up almost $6 million before the new league year begins in early March. The Redskins should avoid the situation if at all possible, but Cousins could be asking for a ton.

On the positive side of things, freeing up the money should be easy. Washington will be releasing Robert Griffin III shortly, saving $16.155 million. Another $5.8 million is saved if the team parts ways with Pierre Garcon. NFL free agency does not begin until March 9 (tampering period begins on March 7), but this is already becoming a tense period for the Redskins. To complete for a playoff spot in 2016, Washington needs to upgrade the defense and keep Cousins in the fold.

Home/NFL