Should the Skins re-sign Cousins....?

[OldSchool]

Another thought, Daniel Snyder has already been embarrassed by his reach for Griffin, a trade bust of historical proportions. Yes, the first year was fun and Snyder sold a ton of jerseys but than it went south and soon the trade looked ridiculous. Snyder knows that his trade will always be one of the great draft mistakes in NFL history. Now think about how much dumber the 2012 trade fiasco would look and how stupid would he feel if he compounded his mistake and let Cousins slip away and Kirk has a successful 10 starter run in Denver or another franchise?

Can you imagine that outcome? First, you mortgage the farm to get your 10 year superstar who turns out to be a shooting star that flames out in the NFL. Then the afterthought QB that a coach you canned wanted and you thought was trade bait blossoms as the replacement starter in his 4th year but not enough for you to lose you image of him as a top end backup. You veto your GM's plan to offer Cousins a competitive starter salary during the season and after a successful close of Cousins first year starting the former red haired stepchild has become a very desirable free agent so his agent advises Cousins to wait and then a much better franchise like Denver offers and Cousins walks and has a great career.

There are much worse outcomes than overpaying Cousins in my opinion.

[SkinsJock]

all I want is for the Redskins to reward Cousins for his play but not overpay him - it's simple

he's still got some games to go to show that he's taken the next step & is worth rewarding - I'm not going gaga over him like a couple of guys

[Burgundy&GoldForever]

3 Years, $40 Million, $15 Million Guaranteed. Get it done, McCloughan.

[OldSchool]

3 Years, $40 Million, $15 Million Guaranteed. Get it done, McCloughan.

I don't know if that would get it done after looking at the numbers in the post above. Once again I don't know if the salaries include maxing out on all the incentives for a year and the base salary is 50% the amount listed.

The pot that is boiling today with the fans will be reduced to a simmer after a loss against the Panthers. Monday might be the perfect day for SM to put his offer on the table....

[DEHog]

If the Skins don’t overpay for Cousins, some other team will. The big question is are the Skins prepared to walk away if the offers for Cousins gets crazy…Maybe that why RG is still on the team.

[Burgundy&GoldForever]

If the Skins don’t overpay for Cousins, some other team will. The big question is are the Skins prepared to walk away if the offers for Cousins gets crazy…Maybe that why RG is still on the team.

There has been speculation that Cousins could end up in the $17 million per year range, perhaps higher. But you won’t find any one-year starters who are making that kind of money. Quarterbacks with contracts averaging from $17-$18 million per year are the likes of Peyton Manning, Alex Smith, Matt Stafford, Tony Romo and Jay Cutler. That’s too high for Cousins, who will have 25 career starts under his belt at the end of the season.

The market is likely to force Cousins to take less per season than most starting quarterbacks will make (a deal averaging $12 million per year would rank 21st among quarterbacks) but he won’t sign a long-term deal at that price. And he will want some incentives and escalators in case he does outperform the contract.

Putting all of that together, we’re looking at something in the neighborhood of three years in the $35-$40 million range with about $15 million guaranteed. Throw in the possibility of adding a couple of million per year in incentives and make the third year void if Cousins plays well and you have the outlines of a deal.

Some of you who are not sold on Cousins as the answer for the future might think that $40 million is an outrageous amount of money to pay him. But quarterbacks are expensive and they are expensive because of simple economics—the demand exceeds the supply. If you don’t pay Cousins, the question becomes who do you pay? There is not a tree somewhere that a team can go to and grab at quarterback who can post a perfect passer rating in a game or lead three fourth-quarter comebacks in a four-game span including one from 24 points down.

http://realredskins.com/2015/11/17/what ... look-like/

[SkinsJock]

I think the focus should be less on the actual $$ amount and more on it being a team friendly deal that doesn't kill them if things don't work out. Snyder has the cash and Allen has the skill to make a deal like that.

I agree with this - Snyder can afford to pay whatever it takes - I have faith that Scot and the FO will structure a deal that does not hurt the franchise if "things don't work out" because I have a lot more faith in Scot (& the FO) than I do in Kirk I don't care how many millions that Kirk Cousins gets to stay here, if that's what the franchise decides is best - I just want a deal that does not hurt the franchise (screw Dan Snyder) when Kirk proves to be just a good starting QB - and, btw, a very good back-up QB "Flake o" is a great example of someone that played for a contract that eventually hurt his franchise

btw - when I was pointing out Brady - it was not so much about the $ as the fact that he restructured his contract so that the franchise could afford more good players - PLUS Brady's wife makes his financial deal pretty secure anyway

[SkinsJock]

Kirk Cousins and Jay Gruden need to make all this go away and find a way to win the game this Sunday - everyone will be ecstatic, Jay Gruden will be NFL coach of the year and Kirk Cousins will get a huge contract

C'mon guys, make it happen

[Burgundy&GoldForever]

The National Football League announced today that Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins has been named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in the team’s Week 10 win against the New Orleans Saints.

[Irn-Bru]

If the Skins don’t overpay for Cousins, some other team will. The big question is are the Skins prepared to walk away if the offers for Cousins gets crazy…Maybe that why RG is still on the team.

The key is to sign him to an extension, not to compete for him once he's a free agent. I don't think we'll have to overpay to keep him.

[Burgundy&GoldForever]

If the Skins don’t overpay for Cousins, some other team will. The big question is are the Skins prepared to walk away if the offers for Cousins gets crazy…Maybe that why RG is still on the team.

I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest that the two are mutually exclusive and that one has nothing whatsoever to do with the other. RGIII has played his last down in a Washington Redskins uniform.

[SkinsJock]

If the Skins don’t overpay for Cousins, some other team will...

The key is to sign him to an extension, not to compete for him once he's a free agent. I don't think we'll have to overpay to keep him.

BINGO

[riggofan]

If the Skins don’t overpay for Cousins, some other team will. The big question is are the Skins prepared to walk away if the offers for Cousins gets crazy…Maybe that why RG is still on the team.

hah. We wouldn't pay $15m next year for Cousins but we would pay $16m for Griffin? I don't think so.

[DEHog]

If the Skins don’t overpay for Cousins, some other team will. The big question is are the Skins prepared to walk away if the offers for Cousins gets crazy…Maybe that why RG is still on the team.

hah. We wouldn't pay $15m next year for Cousins but we would pay $16m for Griffin? I don't think so.

I guess the question is what would be considered overpaying? Why would Kirk sign a extension at this point? Doesn’t he want to make sure RG is gone first? Yea he's a nice guy, he may want to stay here etc... But this is a business and he may never have this kind of leverage again. I'm sure his agent will remind him of that? My guess is there will be a team(s) that drive his price up, the Skins will have to decide between paying or (and as you said a while back) placing the franchise tag on him. This would buy them another year, but may cost more?? Right now I'd say...advantage Kirk!

[grampi]

Why would this even be a question?

Because there are so many more appealing options.

Maybe we can pick up Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady (from the Cheatriots)...

[StorminMormon86]

Who are the 2 haters that voted "No"?

[markshark84]

3 Years, $40 Million, $15 Million Guaranteed. Get it done, McCloughan.

Initially I totally agreed with the 3 year length, but the thing about NFL contracts is they aren't fully guaranteed. We'll have 7 more games to get a better idea (and determine his worth). If we sign him to a 3 year deal around 12-15 a season, he continues his solid play during that contract, and the QB salaries continue on their current pace --- by year 4 the market will demand in the $25+M per year range.

If he continues to play well this year, I'd sign him to a cap-friendly 5-6 year backloaded deal, that won't take a huge hit if we need to cut/resign/etc. Whether that can be accomplished or not, I have no clue. That way if he blows up, we aren't stuck paying him tons after his deal and if he doesn't we can restructure or cut without a huge hit.

And while I am not sure what the market will demand as the season isn't over and we don't fully know the demand ---- personally, I see him between Alex Smith (4 yr., $68M, $45M Guaranteed) and Andy Dalton (6 yr., $96M, $17M Guaranteed) IF he has a couple teams after him; so perhaps in the 5 yr, $70M, $30M Guaranteed range. HOWEVER, if there is less demand, that price could be cut in half with a lot less guaranteed money.

[markshark84]

Who are the 2 haters that voted "No"?

I thought there'd be 4 posters voting "no", honestly.

[Burgundy&GoldForever]

3 Years, $40 Million, $15 Million Guaranteed. Get it done, McCloughan.

Initially I totally agreed with the 3 year length, but the thing about NFL contracts is they aren't fully guaranteed. We'll have 7 more games to get a better idea (and determine his worth). If we sign him to a 3 year deal around 12-15 a season, he continues his solid play during that contract, and the QB salaries continue on their current pace --- by year 4 the market will demand in the $25+M per year range.

If he continues to play well this year, I'd sign him to a cap-friendly 5-6 year backloaded deal, that won't take a huge hit if we need to cut/resign/etc. Whether that can be accomplished or not, I have no clue. That way if he blows up, we aren't stuck paying him tons after his deal and if he doesn't we can restructure or cut without a huge hit.

And while I am not sure what the market will demand as the season isn't over and we don't fully know the demand ---- personally, I see him between Alex Smith (4 yr., $68M, $45M Guaranteed) and Andy Dalton (6 yr., $96M, $17M Guaranteed) IF he has a couple teams after him; so perhaps in the 5 yr, $70M, $30M Guaranteed range. HOWEVER, if there is less demand, that price could be cut in half with a lot less guaranteed money.

Ir really depends on the contract structure and the guaranteed money but I hate backloaded contracts. I'd rather they give him a shorter contract with more guaranteed money. He only made $660K this season so he's in for one hell of a pay raise in any case. If we were willing to commit $16 Million to RGIII I see no reason why we shouldn't be willing to commit that much to Cousins. Cousins has, after all, demonstrated an ability to win games from behind, something very few quarterbacks have done with any frequency. I think the guaranteed money gets it done. Give him the $16 Million guaranteed you were going to guarantee RGIII next year over a couple of years and it's cap friendly for the team and one hell of a payday for him.

[markshark84]

Ir really depends on the contract structure and the guaranteed money but I hate backloaded contracts. I'd rather they give him a shorter contract with more guaranteed money. He only made $660K this season so he's in for one hell of a pay raise in any case. If we were willing to commit $16 Million to RGIII I see no reason why we shouldn't be willing to commit that much to Cousins. Cousins has, after all, demonstrated an ability to win games from behind, something very few quarterbacks have done with any frequency. I think the guaranteed money gets it done. Give him the $16 Million guaranteed you were going to guarantee RGIII next year over a couple of years and it's cap friendly for the team and one hell of a payday for him.

We shouldn't give Cousins $16M per year if we aren't forced to. I don't think the market will dictate $16+M for Cousins, but I could very well be wrong on that one.... and I am certain to be wrong if he continues playing the type of football he has been playing over the past 3 games. But I totally agree that we need to do what it takes to re-sign him.

I also believe that the more guaranteed money you give a player, the worse it is for salary cap purposes. A good chunk of the guaranteed money is in the signing bonus and the longer the contract the more it is spread out (and better for the cap). Cousins will want a $10M+ signing bonus and that isn't a good number on a 3 year deal vs. a 5 or 6 year one. If you don't offer guaranteed money, it doesn't hit the cap if you cut the player; however, it does if it is guaranteed (from what I understand).

I do agree that players like the guaranteed money, but hopefully Cousins will be willing to negotiate a solid cap friendly deal.

[Burgundy&GoldForever]

Ir really depends on the contract structure and the guaranteed money but I hate backloaded contracts. I'd rather they give him a shorter contract with more guaranteed money. He only made $660K this season so he's in for one hell of a pay raise in any case. If we were willing to commit $16 Million to RGIII I see no reason why we shouldn't be willing to commit that much to Cousins. Cousins has, after all, demonstrated an ability to win games from behind, something very few quarterbacks have done with any frequency. I think the guaranteed money gets it done. Give him the $16 Million guaranteed you were going to guarantee RGIII next year over a couple of years and it's cap friendly for the team and one hell of a payday for him.

We shouldn't give Cousins $16M per year if we aren't forced to. I don't think the market will dictate $16+M for Cousins, but I could very well be wrong on that one.... and I am certain to be wrong if he continues playing the type of football he has been playing over the past 3 games. But I totally agree that we need to do what it takes to re-sign him.

I also believe that the more guaranteed money you give a player, the worse it is for salary cap purposes. A good chunk of the guaranteed money is in the signing bonus and the longer the contract the more it is spread out (and better for the cap). Cousins will want a $10M+ signing bonus and that isn't a good number on a 3 year deal vs. a 5 or 6 year one. If you don't offer guaranteed money, it doesn't hit the cap if you cut the player; however, it does if it is guaranteed (from what I understand).

I do agree that players like the guaranteed money, but hopefully Cousins will be willing to negotiate a solid cap friendly deal.

How many quarterbacks coming off one year contracts as a backup are offered five or six year contracts as a starter? I'm going to guess none.

Spotrac has a decent analysis of what I expect, (although I came up with this estimate before they did): http://www.spotrac.com/research/nfl/con ... usins-558/

The quarterbacks with the longest contracts as of right now:

Jay Cutler, 7 years, through 2021

Joe Flacco, 6 years, through 2019

Colin Kaepernick, 6 years, through 2021

Andy Dalton, 6 years, through 2021

Sam Bradford, 6 years, through 2016

Tony Romo, 6 years, through 2020

Aaron Rodgers, 5 years, through 2020

Cam Newton, 5 years, through 2021

Drew Brees, 5 years, through 2017

Matt Ryan, 5 years, through 2019

Every other QB in the league is on a four year contract or shorter. The 6 year plus contracts have a pattern of being awful. The five year contracts seem to be good players who have established themselves. Based upon this I don't see Cousins getting longer than a four year deal. As an aside, the average guaranteed money in these contracts is around 50% so that's a consideration.

[OldSchool]

I think the only way the Skins can go wrong is to letting Cousins slip away. Overpaying for an average quarterback for 3-4 years is still a decent outcome. How long has it been since the Skins had even an average guy start for 4 or 5 years in a row? The stability of having an even average guy who can run the offense correctly gives the rest of the team a chance to do their jobs and Scot and Jay something to build on for a few years.

Paying an extra 20 or 30% is mice nuts compared with the 20 year misery this franchise has suffered because of the lack of a solid quarterback. I am hopeful Cousins will be better than average but even paying 3-4M a year more than you should for him if he doesn’t become a top ten guy isn’t going hold Scot and Jay back from improving the team but I think losing Cousins would slow down the rebuilding effort Scot has begun. If you look at this list crazy money is the norm:

Aaron Rodgers $22,000,000
Russell Wilson Seahawks $21,900,000
Ben Roethlisberger Steelers $21,850,000
Eli Manning Giants $21,000,000
Philip Rivers Chargers $20,812,500
Cam Newton Panthers $20,760,000
Matt Ryan Falcons $20,750,000
Joe Flacco Ravens $20,100,000
Drew Brees Saints $20,000,000
Ryan Tannehill Dolphins $19,250,000
Colin Kaepernick 49ers $19,000,000
Jay Cutler Bears $18,100,000
Tony Romo Cowboys $18,000,000
Matt Stafford Lions $17,666,667
Alex Smith Chiefs $17,000,000
Peyton Manning Broncos $17,000,000
Carson Palmer Cardinals $16,500,000
Andy Dalton Bengals $16,000,000
Sam Bradford Eagles $13,000,000
Nick Foles Rams $12,250,000
Tom Brady Patriots $9,000,000
Andrew Luck Colts $7,652,600
Jameis Winston Buccaneers $6,337,819
Marcus Mariota Titans $6,053,494
Brian Hoyer Texans $5,250,000
Blake Bortles Jaguars $5,163,701
Josh McCown Browns $4,666,667
Ryan Fitzpatrick Jets $3,625,000
Teddy Bridgewater Vikings $1,712,376
Derek Carr Raiders $$1,342,951
Tyrod Taylor Bills $1,116,667


Andrew Luck and below are on rookie contracts or journeymen. Brady is an outlier who signed a club friendly deal years ago. Kirk Cousins looks more attractive to me than Foles or Bradford so I think he’s in the 16M+ per year range as crazy as that sounds.

I would much rather risk overpaying and keeping him by doing an extension now. If he finishes strong his agent may advise him to wait until free agency. What if Payton Manning retires? If it was your career which franchise would you chose? The Skins may not enjoy a home team advantage.

I’m sure Kirk likes his teammates and the coaches that stuck their necks out for him but he has seen some whacky Snyder things and has an insider’s view of the organization and may want out. I have no idea how he feels none of us do because he is a highly disciplined driven guy so he always says and does the right thing but I would not be surprised if another franchise lures him away without having to pay more. Aside from potential concerns about the stability of the franchise something else might make another franchise more attractive. He’s a really conservative Christian, a minister’s son, and maybe another ownership and community might be more to his liking. Once again I have no idea how he feels but it may not be as simple as matching over bidders if it goes to FA.

If SM and JG want him they ought to put a very attractive offer on the table and lock him up whether you overpay or not. The 20 or 30% difference isn’t worth running the risk of losing perhaps the best Skins QB in 20 years. Who else would they rather take in free agency? Do you want to go to the draft and hope to find a guy who can lead come from behind 4th Qtr drives and pitch a perfect game one of only 65 in the history of the league in the draft?

[riggofan]

Listening to Cousins' comments on his contract situation yesterday, I'm still not 100% convinced he would sign an extension today if it was offered. I won't be surprised at all if he wants to test the market in the off season.

[riggofan]

How many quarterbacks coming off one year contracts as a backup are offered five or six year contracts as a starter? I'm going to guess none.

Maybe so but Cousins isn't coming off a one year contract as a backup. He's finishing up the fourth year of his rookie contract as a starting QB with the team that drafted him.

[StorminMormon86]

Listening to Cousins' comments on his contract situation yesterday, I'm still not 100% convinced he would sign an extension today if it was offered. I won't be surprised at all if he wants to test the market in the off season.

I think he's just towing the old "preparing for so-and-so" line.

I believe C00ley was hinting around on the radio that if the Skins were to cut Griffin and offer Cousins a contract, he'd sign it immediately.