The rest of the column is at:The best thing about the Washington Redskins the past three seasons has been Kirk Cousins. Not just his emergence as one of the top dozen quarterbacks in the NFL, but his dignity while playing for a franchise that has stripped the dignity of almost every visible employee of the Dan Snyder era.
On Saturday night, leaving a movie, a friend who’s a longtime fan of the team remarked how much he has enjoyed Cousins play, his leadership and his personality.
“Then enjoy his last five games in Washington,” I said.
“You think he’s going to leave?” my friend asked.
“He’s long gone,” I replied.
That’s read-the-tea-leaves movie-chitchat talk, the kind of speculation that followers of this team have constantly. But sometimes what you really believe, and in your sportswriter bones just know is true, bubbles up and unexpectedly comes out of your mouth. I’d be shocked (but pleased) if Cousins is back in 2018 and flabbergasted if he signs a long-term deal that prevents him leaving after 2018.
In the past week, Cousins has made three public comments that tip off his true state of mind. Last year his famous “How do you like me now?” scream (as he rubbed the general manager’s head) foreshadowed the true state of non-negotiations between the proud Cousins and his he’s-not-all-that-good bosses. We’re there again. Cousins’s recent comments have “Goodbye” under every word.
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