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

[riggofan]

I still hope he does not sign the long term deal ... I love it when these guys get paid 'fair market value' ....

Like Josh Norman?

[SkinsJock]

I just have a lot of faith in this organization with Scot as the GM and I know that they will offer Cousins a very fair long term deal

I hope that Cousins takes advantage of the skyrocketing QB salaries, has himself a great season on the field & gets a much bigger deal in 2017

it's a win/win IMO

[langleyparkjoe]

Yes.

[riggofan]

From Tandler today:

Cousins’ confidence growing

It’s generally a mistake to read too much into performances that take place in shorts and football helmets. For one thing, not everyone participates and players are often going up against reserves and others who just hope to make the roster so they can be reserves. Also, contact is such an important part of the game that any drills that take place without it are difficult to evaluate.

With that said, it’s hard not to notice that Kirk Cousins has looked very, very good in OTAs so far. He looked particularly good on Wednesday as he made quick decisions and zipped the ball to receivers with touch and authority.

“He’s obviously playing with a lot of confidence, having a lot of fun,” said Jay Gruden after the OTA on Wednesday. “He’s got great command of the offense, that’s the one thing that you notice. He’s got great command over the formations. He’s got great command on the snap count, and that’s something he didn’t so much have the first year I was here and even last year in this time of year.”

It’s not a coincidence that in his fifth NFL season Cousins suddenly has great command. This is his first offseason as the starter and he is showing that he intends to take advantage of the opportunity.

My theory for a while has been that the team would see where he was at OTAs and make a decision on contract/franchise tag. Guess we'll see one way or the other in the next few weeks.

[Burgundy&GoldForever]

My theory for a while has been that the team would see where he was at OTAs and make a decision on contract/franchise tag. Guess we'll see one way or the other in the next few weeks.

My theory is still Cousins has absolutely no reason to sign a discounted contract.

The Redskins need him more than he needs them.

[SkinsJock]

My theory for a while has been that the team would see where he was at OTAs and make a decision on contract/franchise tag. Guess we'll see one way or the other in the next few weeks.

My theory is still Cousins has absolutely no reason to sign a discounted contract. The Redskins need him more than he needs them.

I agree - it sounds like he's showing that he's a really good QB - his value is going to skyrocket if he has a great season - good for him

Cousins should play it out and get fair market value - it's a win/win - $5M or more is nothing to the franchise

a 'fair' long term deal would be $19-$20M - if he's really good he gets $24-$25M - if he's not he get's $16-$17M

[riggofan]

My theory is still Cousins has absolutely no reason to sign a discounted contract.

The Redskins need him more than he needs them.

Yeah I agree, not really debating the contract on either side. I've just believed for a while that if a deal is going to get done, it would be in this next four weeks. Cousins has been happy with the franchise tag situation, showing up for everything, and that hasn't negatively affected the team at all. Coaches and GM got to see how he is looking during OTAs.

They can get a deal done if they want to. I'll be curious to see what happens.

[SkinsJock]

gotta like his confidence - hopefully he does not sign the long term deal, has a great season and gets a mega deal

good for him and good for the Redskins

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap300000 ... -plateaued

[riggofan]

Wouldn't this be nice?

I've heard other assistant coaches mention this, and now another has. I'm just passing it along. This is an assistant coach speaking of Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins:

"It's possible we will look back maybe 10 years from now and say Kirk Cousins was better than Andrew Luck or almost any other young quarterback today. Maybe better than Russell Wilson, as well. I would have never thought that a year ago—mainly because I feel like a good quarterback there didn't have the organizational support. That owner [is not good], but now he seems to be staying out of the way. His coach believes in him, and that offense is perfect for him. He's got weapons and an improving defense. He may shock a lot of people in the end."

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2645 ... ou-yet-nfl

What should be made clear here is that the assistant coach is projecting. He’s not saying that Cousins is better than Wilson, who has a Super Bowl ring, and Luck, who has led his team to a conference title game, right now. He’s saying that Cousins has the weapons, the coach, and the organization needed to start on a highly successful run that would vault him past Wilson, Luck and, presumable, Derek Carr, Cam Newton, and other quarterbacks under the age of 30.

While I’m skeptical that in 2026 we will look back at the previous decade and view Cousins as the top QB in that time span I can’t rule it out, either. I mean, four years ago if you would have said that Wilson would have multiple Super Bowl appearances and Robert Griffin III would be battling for the job in Cleveland after having been cut loose by the Redskins I would have said you were crazy.

http://realredskins.com/2016/06/16/coul ... -young-qb/

Show us, Kirk!

[Burgundy&GoldForever]

Not a fan of those "may, could, might, has the tools ..." type blogs. They're basically just reaching for material.

Those same things were said about Heath Shuler, Ryan Leaf, Jamarcus Russell, Tim Couch, David Carr, Akili Smith, Todd Marinovich, Joey Harrington, Rick Mirer, and a host of others.

It also begins with a gratuitous cheapshot at Dan Snyder for no good reason, an overstatement of the obvious fact Jay Gruden believes in the QB who took them to the playoffs last season, another overstatement of the obvious fact that a player who completed almost 70% of his passes is in an offense designed for him, and a regurgitation of the fact the receiving corps is one of the league's best, at least on paper.

That's all mindless and meaningless filler.

Let's see Cousins consistently beat teams with winning records and win a playoff game before we start talking about how he could be better than Russell Wilson and how we could be talking about that in ten years. In fact, if he's better than Russell Wilson what we'll be talking about in ten years isn't how he was better than those quarterbacks listed but about how it was nice to win another championship or two.

[riggofan]

Let's see Cousins consistently beat teams with winning records and win a playoff game before we start talking about how he could be better than Russell Wilson and how we could be talking about that in ten years. In fact, if he's better than Russell Wilson what we'll be talking about in ten years isn't how he was better than those quarterbacks listed but about how it was nice to win another championship or two.

I don't disagree with any of that. Just thought it was interesting that the writer was passing on what he was hearing from assistant coaches - not just a blogger opining himself.

Like you wrote though, that's all nice, but doesn't mean anything until Kirk goes out there and shows it.

[Burgundy&GoldForever]

Let's see Cousins consistently beat teams with winning records and win a playoff game before we start talking about how he could be better than Russell Wilson and how we could be talking about that in ten years. In fact, if he's better than Russell Wilson what we'll be talking about in ten years isn't how he was better than those quarterbacks listed but about how it was nice to win another championship or two.

I don't disagree with any of that. Just thought it was interesting that the writer was passing on what he was hearing from assistant coaches - not just a blogger opining himself.

Like you wrote though, that's all nice, but doesn't mean anything until Kirk goes out there and shows it.

I think I'd be more excited about the assistant coach's opinion if Cousins was under contract beyond this season.

[riggofan]

me too!

[riggofan]

Tandler had an interesting post this morning:

Is Kirk Cousins bluffing about playing on the tag?
http://realredskins.com/2016/06/20/need ... n-the-tag/

Is Kirk Cousins bluffing about being willing to play out the season on the franchise tag? His comment last week saying “see you on the other side” had a tinge of false bravado to it. There is a lot at stake for him. If he stumbles this year he might be able to get a contract for $15 million per year on a one- two-year deal. He can probably get the Redskins to agree to $18 million per year for five years right now. Cousins supposedly wants about $20 million. Is the difference in money really worth the risk to Cousins? We will see as July 15 approaches.

If he's right about the $18m/$20m difference, seems like Cousins would be crazy to risk that. Just start doing the math on possible outcomes for him.

[Burgundy&GoldForever]

Tandler had an interesting post this morning:

Is Kirk Cousins bluffing about playing on the tag?
http://realredskins.com/2016/06/20/need ... n-the-tag/

Is Kirk Cousins bluffing about being willing to play out the season on the franchise tag? His comment last week saying “see you on the other side” had a tinge of false bravado to it. There is a lot at stake for him. If he stumbles this year he might be able to get a contract for $15 million per year on a one- two-year deal. He can probably get the Redskins to agree to $18 million per year for five years right now. Cousins supposedly wants about $20 million. Is the difference in money really worth the risk to Cousins? We will see as July 15 approaches.

If he's right about the $18m/$20m difference, seems like Cousins would be crazy to risk that. Just start doing the math on possible outcomes for him.

Tandler has a way of making much ado about nothing. It's all about the most guaranteed money Cousins can get over the next three seasons. If that is the franchise tag then he will play on it. Cousins can get $20MM this season on the tag and at least another $17.5MM next season even if he's terrible because the Redskins will not franchise tag him in back-to-back seasons. Splitting the difference on a 3rd year option ($18.25MM) means unless Cousins is offered at least three years with at least $55.75MM guaranteed in the first three years of any contract offer his agent is rejecting it because he can get more on the open market.

So, to answer Tandler's question, there is no reason for Cousins to be bluffing because $20MM guaranteed over one season is more money now than any partially guaranteed multi-year deal.

Bluffing is for people who have no hand to play. If the Redskins rescinded the franchise tag Kirk Cousins wouldn't last 24 hours on the open market.

[Deadskins]

Tandler had an interesting post this morning:

Is Kirk Cousins bluffing about playing on the tag?
http://realredskins.com/2016/06/20/need ... n-the-tag/

Is Kirk Cousins bluffing about being willing to play out the season on the franchise tag? His comment last week saying “see you on the other side” had a tinge of false bravado to it. There is a lot at stake for him. If he stumbles this year he might be able to get a contract for $15 million per year on a one- two-year deal. He can probably get the Redskins to agree to $18 million per year for five years right now. Cousins supposedly wants about $20 million. Is the difference in money really worth the risk to Cousins? We will see as July 15 approaches.

If he's right about the $18m/$20m difference, seems like Cousins would be crazy to risk that. Just start doing the math on possible outcomes for him.

Tandler has a way of making much ado about nothing. It's all about the most guaranteed money Cousins can get over the next three seasons. If that is the franchise tag then he will play on it. Cousins can get $20MM this season on the tag and at least another $17.5MM next season even if he's terrible because the Redskins will not franchise tag him in back-to-back seasons. Splitting the difference on a 3rd year option ($18.25MM) means unless Cousins is offered at least three years with at least $55.75MM guaranteed in the first three years of any contract offer his agent is rejecting it because he can get more on the open market.

So, to answer Tandler's question, there is no reason for Cousins to be bluffing because $20MM guaranteed over one season is more money now than any partially guaranteed multi-year deal.

Bluffing is for people who have no hand to play. If the Redskins rescinded the franchise tag Kirk Cousins wouldn't last 24 hours on the open market.

Which makes me wonder why you think we wouldn't franchise him in back-to-back seasons. If he's not under contract, why wouldn't we franchise him again next year?

[riggofan]

So, to answer Tandler's question, there is no reason for Cousins to be bluffing because $20MM guaranteed over one season is more money now than any partially guaranteed multi-year deal.

His opinion is that the Redskins would pay 5 years/$18m right now. I have no idea if that's true or not, but if so then Cousins could be (and would be smart) to bluff and push that number higher.

[Burgundy&GoldForever]

So, to answer Tandler's question, there is no reason for Cousins to be bluffing because $20MM guaranteed over one season is more money now than any partially guaranteed multi-year deal.

His opinion is that the Redskins would pay 5 years/$18m right now. I have no idea if that's true or not, but if so then Cousins could be (and would be smart) to bluff and push that number higher.

And they might but there's no chance they would guarantee all of it. For comparison:

Aaron Rodgers signed a 5 year, $110,000,000 contract with the Green Bay Packers, including a $33,250,000 signing bonus, $54,000,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $22,000,000. In 2016, Rodgers will earn a base salary of $11,500,000, a roster bonus of $600,000 and a workout bonus of $500,000. Rodgers has a cap hit of $19,250,000 while his dead money value is $13,300,000.

I like Kirk Cousins but he's no Aaron Rodgers and Scot McCloughan isn't going to pay him like he is unless or until he sees more than ten games of production.

Rodgers' contract, by the way, is not the most guaranteed money by a long shot. That honor goes to Eli Manning, not because he's actually any good but rather because he has a couple of rings.

[riggofan]

One problem with waiting to get a deal done with Cousins, according to Breer, is the possibility that the Colts lock up QB Andrew Luck to a record-setting contract and complete reset the market for future negotiations.

http://nfltraderumors.co/kirk-cousins-t ... -contract/

[Burgundy&GoldForever]

One problem with waiting to get a deal done with Cousins, according to Breer, is the possibility that the Colts lock up QB Andrew Luck to a record-setting contract and complete reset the market for future negotiations.

http://nfltraderumors.co/kirk-cousins-t ... -contract/

I don't know about that. Luck was a #1 overall draft pick selected to be a franchise quarterback. Cousins was a 4th round pick selected to be a career backup. Even dismissing that ...



One of these things is not like the other. I think if Luck sets some kind of bar before the deadline it actually hurts Cousins more than it helps him.

[riggofan]

Nobody is making an argument that Cousins should be paid the same amount as Luck. The point is that Luck's contract could significantly raise the ceiling for that position. Its not like Luck will get that contract and everyone else will just continue to get paid at the 2016 going rate.

If you don't buy that argument, what about the franchise tag? "An "exclusive" franchise player must be offered a one-year contract for an amount no less than the average of the top five salaries at the player's position as of a date in April of the current year in which the tag will apply, or 120 percent of the player's previous year's salary, whichever is greater. Exclusive franchise players cannot negotiate with other teams. The player's team has all the negotiating rights to the exclusive player."

[SkinsJock]

Cousins camp and the Redskins FO are fully aware of what the market value is for a good QB - hopefully the FO offers Cousins a little more than they think he's worth & Cousins turns them down so he can get a better contract by having a great year

good deal for Cousins and good for the Redskins

[Burgundy&GoldForever]

Nobody is making an argument that Cousins should be paid the same amount as Luck. The point is that Luck's contract could significantly raise the ceiling for that position. Its not like Luck will get that contract and everyone else will just continue to get paid at the 2016 going rate.

If you don't buy that argument, what about the franchise tag? "An "exclusive" franchise player must be offered a one-year contract for an amount no less than the average of the top five salaries at the player's position as of a date in April of the current year in which the tag will apply, or 120 percent of the player's previous year's salary, whichever is greater. Exclusive franchise players cannot negotiate with other teams. The player's team has all the negotiating rights to the exclusive player."

I think what Kirk Cousins does this season will determine his contract, not what Andrew Luck or any other quarterback might get before the deadline. I think Scot McCloughan hasn't seen enough to overpay him like Vinny Cerrato or Bruce Allen would and I think Kirk Cousins is perfectly fine playing on the tag this season. I don't think Luck signing a huge deal in any way motivates Cousins to sign or McCloughan to raise his bid. I think with the way the salary cap keeps going up every year Cousins knows he can make a lot more signing a contract next season than he can this season. Even if the Skins were willing to offer him a five year $100 million contract with $50 million guaranteed it wouldn't be structured such that Cousins would make $20 million this season. Barring the unforeseen he stands to make $20 million this season and get that contract next season, which is a lot more money in his pocket if this is the only big contract he ever sees in his NFL career.

How many 4th round draft picks have been able to secure a guaranteed $20 million for one season? If he never plays again after 2016 he's set for life.

[SkinsJock]

Thankfully this FO (and McCloughan) are making the decisions here - they are only focused on what's good for this franchise and they will be fair but firm - hopefully Cousins does not sign the long term deal and goes out and has a great season

If Cousins can prove that he's a top 10 QB he will get a great deal - good for him and good for the Redskins

[riggofan]

I think what Kirk Cousins does this season will determine his contract, not what Andrew Luck or any other quarterback might get before the deadline.

Of course his performance will affect his contract, but that's not the issue. The issue is that the market price will be reset and could be reset more than we're expecting because of Luck.

Look at what's going on with Von Miller.

http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2016 ... s_inc.html

The Denver Broncos are trying to sign star linebacker Von Miller to a new contract and a move the Giants made this offseason has become an obstacle.

The Giants signed free agent defensive end Olivier Vernon to a five-year, $85 million deal with $52.5 million in guarantees this offseason. That deal is being used as one of the benchmarks in the negotiations. Vernon was the highest-paid free agent.

The issue isn't Miller's stats vs. Vernon's stats or how either of those guys performs or performed.