The Redskins placed a franchise tag on Kirk Cousins but they do not seem to be close on a long-term deal.
No progress to speak of were the words spoken by Kirk Cousins on Saturday when asked for an updates on any contract talks.
The Redskins placed a franchise tag on Cousins for the 2016 season. Cousins will earn close to $20 million this year, far more than any other year in his career. The Redskins and Cousins have until July 15th to come to an agreement for a long-term deal or he will play under the franchise tag.
According to CSN, contracts for players with the franchise tag often get done at the last minute. Last year, Dez Bryant, Demaryius Thomas and Justin Houston did not sign contracts until July 15th. So, you’re saying there’s a chance? Yes. But just because there is a chance doesn’t mean it is the right thing to do.
The right thing to do would be to let Cousins play under the tag for this upcoming season and then go from there. Cousins got red-hot after the bye week last season, throwing for 20 touchdowns and only three interceptions. Cousins threw for nine touchdowns and eight interceptions before that. His full season stats look like this: 4,166 yards to go with 29 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while completing a league-high 69.8% of his passes.
If Cousins can put up the same numbers in this upcoming season, he will then cash in. The Redskins know not to jump the gun and sign him off of one good half of a season. Consistent numbers must be put up and if they are not, they will have to look somewhere else for their franchise guy.
The Redskins won the NFC East last season with a record of 9-7 and they have improved their team on both sides of the ball. They face a tough schedule for this upcoming season, so this gives Cousins a chance to show what he really is.
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