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

[Irn-Bru]

I don't think there's any chance now that Scot lets Cousins walk. We'll use the franchise tag if we have to, although IMHO that would still indicate a failure on the part of our front office. Let's make a 3-4 year commitment.

I'd rather they tag him and make sure this season isn't a fluke before they commit to him for several years.

That's an expensive option. The coaches and GMs should have a pretty well informed opinion on Cousin's potential and ability to deliver by now. If they don't, we should be firing them, not putting Cousins on a one-year evaluation plan.

[SkinsJock]

I have faith in Scot and the FO - they will know what's best for this franchise

based on what we've seen offensively here recently, I don't have the same faith in Jay Gruden ....

[OldSchool]

I don't think there's any chance now that Scot lets Cousins walk. We'll use the franchise tag if we have to, although IMHO that would still indicate a failure on the part of our front office. Let's make a 3-4 year commitment.

I'd rather they tag him and make sure this season isn't a fluke before they commit to him for several years.

That's an expensive option. The coaches and GMs should have a pretty well informed opinion on Cousin's potential and ability to deliver by now. If they don't, we should be firing them, not putting Cousins on a one-year evaluation plan.

I agree. Gruden's had him for 2 seasons and the organization for 4 they know what they have and we've seen it also. I would prefer they make Cousins a generous long term extension before the end of the season and settle the issue so Scot can devote his time on building around Kirk.

[Burgundy&GoldForever]

I don't think there's any chance now that Scot lets Cousins walk. We'll use the franchise tag if we have to, although IMHO that would still indicate a failure on the part of our front office. Let's make a 3-4 year commitment.

I'd rather they tag him and make sure this season isn't a fluke before they commit to him for several years.

That's an expensive option. The coaches and GMs should have a pretty well informed opinion on Cousin's potential and ability to deliver by now. If they don't, we should be firing them, not putting Cousins on a one-year evaluation plan.

It is an expensive option but what if they lock him up for four years and this is the best he ever plays?

[OldSchool]

It is an expensive option but what if they lock him up for four years and this is the best he ever plays?

If Kirk tops off at his current performance level the team will still improve because SM will upgrade the roster and Gruden will grow as a coach. I think this is the worse case scenario and still a somewhat positive outcome.

I think a much more likely outcome is Kirk continues to improve and becomes a long term better than average starter and another possibility and the one I am hoping for and actually expect is Kirk not only improves but becomes a top 10 NFL quarterback like Mike Shanahan says he will. Look how far Cousins has come in just his first year starting! I think he will make significantly more progress after 50 starts. We found our guy!

[riggofan]

If Kirk tops off at his current performance level the team will still improve because SM will upgrade the roster and Gruden will grow as a coach. I think this is the worse case scenario and still a somewhat positive outcome.

We'll see about Gruden and Cousins, but I agree with you about SM. The defense has performed way above my expectations based on the talent level. Give that guy another offseason to bring in some more talent? I'm feeling pretty optimistic about the future.

[SkinsJock]

Yes, the Redskins should resign Cousins - he's very fortunate to be in the situation he's in and we, like a lot of franchises, know how important having a good QB is - the market value will be high but we can afford it - the $ is not as important as making sure that Cousins stays here and plays with a contract that is fairly structured

find a way to PAY THE MAN and protect the franchise

[EA7649]

I just voted yes! I'm more of a believer. But I read he isn't interested signing a contract right now. He wants to go to a team who really wants him and we will find out in a few months

[Deadskins]

I just voted yes! I'm more of a believer. But I read he isn't interested signing a contract right now. He wants to go to a team who really wants him and we will find out in a few months

Where did you read that? He really doesn't have a choice if we decide to franchise him.

[EA7649]

I just voted yes! I'm more of a believer. But I read he isn't interested signing a contract right now. He wants to go to a team who really wants him and we will find out in a few months

Where did you read that? He really doesn't have a choice if we decide to franchise him.

I think he is referring to long term deal. CSNWashington. I'm at work when home I'll share a link

[EA7649]

I just voted yes! I'm more of a believer. But I read he isn't interested signing a contract right now. He wants to go to a team who really wants him and we will find out in a few months

Where did you read that? He really doesn't have a choice if we decide to franchise him.

http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/redskinsb ... falo-bills

I want to be where I’m wanted, and we’ll find out where I’m wanted in a few months. But we have a job to do before that, and that’s where my focus is: on right here and right now. And if we get the job done, I’d like to think I’ll be wanted here

I like how he is giving hope that its here. But he is keeping his options open.

[SkinsJock]

Kirk Cousins will be playing here next season if Scot & the FO want him here - Kirk is right about that part

[SkinsJock]

I want to be where I’m wanted, and we’ll find out where I’m wanted in a few months. But we have a job to do before that, and that’s where my focus is: on right here and right now. And if we get the job done, I’d like to think I’ll be wanted here

I like how he is giving hope that its here. But he is keeping his options open.

what options?

[riggofan]

Kirk Cousins will be playing here next season if Scot & the FO want him here

Yeah that's kind of how the hiring process usually works.

[riggofan]

I want to be where I’m wanted, and we’ll find out where I’m wanted in a few months. But we have a job to do before that, and that’s where my focus is: on right here and right now. And if we get the job done, I’d like to think I’ll be wanted here

I like how he is giving hope that its here. But he is keeping his options open.

what options?

Yeah that's a bit of a head scratcher. Cousins doesn't have any options as long as the team is willing to use the franchise tag. I guess he has the option to not play.

I think it was in the LaCanfora story the other day where he was quoting "an NFL exec from a QB needy team" that they liked Cousins but were scratching him off their list because Washington is definitely going to retain him.

[Irn-Bru]

I'd rather they tag him and make sure this season isn't a fluke before they commit to him for several years.

That's an expensive option. The coaches and GMs should have a pretty well informed opinion on Cousin's potential and ability to deliver by now. If they don't, we should be firing them, not putting Cousins on a one-year evaluation plan.

It is an expensive option but what if they lock him up for four years and this is the best he ever plays?

Then the coaches/FO didn't do their due diligence and should be held accountable. Franchise tag + another good year would mean the Skins will drop an extra $30 million just to keep Cousins around for the same amount of time. I'm pulling that number out of my butt, of course, but I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that it would have a real impact on our ability to retain the talent we need around him.

[DEHog]

I want to be where I’m wanted, and we’ll find out where I’m wanted in a few months. But we have a job to do before that, and that’s where my focus is: on right here and right now. And if we get the job done, I’d like to think I’ll be wanted here

Interesting quote…We all want to feel wanted but he did surprise me by not saying he wanted to be here. Of course it’s a business, I’m sure his agent has advised him to guard his words on all contract negotiation conversations.

[Deadskins]

I want to be where I’m wanted, and we’ll find out where I’m wanted in a few months. But we have a job to do before that, and that’s where my focus is: on right here and right now. And if we get the job done, I’d like to think I’ll be wanted here

Interesting quote…We all want to feel wanted but he did surprise me by not saying he wanted to be here. Of course it’s a business, I’m sure his agent has advised him to guard his words on all contract negotiation conversations.

He kind of did.

[Burgundy&GoldForever]

Then the coaches/FO didn't do their due diligence and should be held accountable. Franchise tag + another good year would mean the Skins will drop an extra $30 million just to keep Cousins around for the same amount of time. I'm pulling that number out of my butt, of course, but I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that it would have a real impact on our ability to retain the talent we need around him.

Cousins has the team over a barrel and he knows it. I don't see him taking less than $19 million guaranteed in any deal. It benefits the team to spread that cap hit out over four years. It doesn't benefit Cousins. Don't get me wrong. I don't want the team to spend more than necessary. But if they decide to let Cousins test the market there are a couple of division opponents who will jack up the price in addition to a number of other teams looking for a starter. If he won't sign a contract they're going to have to tag him and hope they can work out a deal by July. The team needs him more than he needs the team. He has options. The Redskins, not so much.

[riggofan]

Interesting quote…We all want to feel wanted but he did surprise me by not saying he wanted to be here. Of course it’s a business, I’m sure his agent has advised him to guard his words on all contract negotiation conversations.

I don't see how anyone can blame him for this. Many of us here questioned earlier this season whether or not Cousins would actually WANT to come back here if he had the opportunity to re-sign. He hasn't always been treated especially well by the ownership. In particular, I think he (and McCoy for that matter) have a legit complaint about how this past off season went down with no QB competition.

I think he wants to be back though (at least that's what his pal C00ley has been saying on the radio this week). Any employee who says he wants to feel wanted is saying he wants to be paid. So, pay the man.

[riggofan]

Some good stuff from Jason Reid the past couple days. Jason Reid, you'll remember, was the guy who told us two years ago that RG3 was done and Cousins was the best fit for this offense.

Jason Reid ‏@JReidESPN 24h24 hours ago

A former Washington assistant called me yesterday during game. He said scary thing is they wasted all those first-team reps on others.

Jason Reid ‏@JReidESPN 24h24 hours ago

He thinks Cousins is gonna completely blow up over next two seasons. And before anyone asks: Former assistant isn't named Shanahan.

Jason Reid ‏@JReidESPN 24h24 hours ago

And give Jay Gruden some credit. He knew Cousins was the best option -- by far -- and pushed for him. That's what a head coach should do.

Jason Reid ‏@JReidESPN 24h24 hours ago

I think back to something Gruden told me early on about the differences between the QBs on the roster: All Cousins needs is time. Nailed it.

[DEHog]

Interesting quote…We all want to feel wanted but he did surprise me by not saying he wanted to be here. Of course it’s a business, I’m sure his agent has advised him to guard his words on all contract negotiation conversations.

I don't see how anyone can blame him for this. Many of us here questioned earlier this season whether or not Cousins would actually WANT to come back here if he had the opportunity to re-sign. He hasn't always been treated especially well by the ownership. In particular, I think he (and McCoy for that matter) have a legit complaint about how this past off season went down with no QB competition.

I think he wants to be back though (at least that's what his pal C00ley has been saying on the radio this week). Any employee who says he wants to feel wanted is saying he wants to be paid. So, pay the man.

Totally agree, I want him back and I know words are just that. I do think his agent will force the Skins to tag him and look to work a deal out before the July deadline. I just think the market for QB's these days forces team to overpay. I really like Kirk but he needs players around him, I hope he (and I think he does) understand that. But as you said he's been treated poorly by the franchise and who could blame him for not wanting to sign here?

[riggofan]

Totally agree, I want him back and I know words are just that. I do think his agent will force the Skins to tag him and look to work a deal out before the July deadline. I just think the market for QB's these days forces team to overpay. I really like Kirk but he needs players around him, I hope he (and I think he does) understand that. But as you said he's been treated poorly by the franchise and who could blame him for not wanting to sign here?

Yeah, couldn't blame him, but personally I'd be surprised if he didn't want to stay here. He's done well under Gruden so far. Its a young team now with potential to be better over the next few years. And you have to admit, the fans have really been showing him the love lately.

Also I don't think its a question of overpaying him really. I just think we'll have to pay him more now than we would have if we'd done a deal earlier this year. He's a top 14 QB in the league right now, so his contract will reflect that.

It shouldn't affect the ability to bring in players around him. We're in good cap shape right now, and that includes the $16m we were prepared to pay Griffin next year. There's money to sign a QB and still take care of other needs. I don't expect SM to be a big player in free agency like we've been in the past anyway, do you guys?

Talking about needing money for and re-signing players. How about some guys like Mason Foster and Will Compton? There's two guys we might need money to bring back next year. Foster is a UFA and Compton is an RFA.

[DEHog]

Totally agree, I want him back and I know words are just that. I do think his agent will force the Skins to tag him and look to work a deal out before the July deadline. I just think the market for QB's these days forces team to overpay. I really like Kirk but he needs players around him, I hope he (and I think he does) understand that. But as you said he's been treated poorly by the franchise and who could blame him for not wanting to sign here?

Yeah, couldn't blame him, but personally I'd be surprised if he didn't want to stay here. He's done well under Gruden so far. Its a young team now with potential to be better over the next few years. And you have to admit, the fans have really been showing him the love lately.

Also I don't think its a question of overpaying him really. I just think we'll have to pay him more now than we would have if we'd done a deal earlier this year. He's a top 14 QB in the league right now, so his contract will reflect that.

It shouldn't affect the ability to bring in players around him. We're in good cap shape right now, and that includes the $16m we were prepared to pay Griffin next year. There's money to sign a QB and still take care of other needs. I don't expect SM to be a big player in free agency like we've been in the past anyway, do you guys?

Talking about needing money for and re-signing players. How about some guys like Mason Foster and Will Compton? There's two guys we might need money to bring back next year. Foster is a UFA and Compton is an RFA.

Not to mention the Cap is going up. We also have, what 5-6 players coming back off injury?? I agree that SM won't be a big player in FA, the moves will be lowkey and low risk.

[Smithian]

Redskins need Cousins more than he needs us. He'll take more money than he's worth. And I'm fine with that.