One of the top dominos to fall in free agency this offseason will be the future of Kirk Cousins. The Redskins have used both the transition tag and franchise tag on the signal-caller in the last two years, respectively, and their intentions this offseason remain unknown.
One option would be to again use a tag on Cousins and then trade him to another team, NBC Sports’ Rich Tandler writes. In theory, Tandler states, Cousins would agree to a deal with another team but would not sign an offer sheet. He would then be receive the transition tag from Washington, who would then trade him to the agreed upon team.
Tandler notes the pros to the deal would be an assurance to Cousins that Washington wouldn’t match an offer, the Redskins would receive compensation for his departure and the other team would get their franchise quarterback without signing him to a heavily front-loaded contract.
Of the teams who would potentially be interested in such a deal, the Browns, Broncos and Jets seem like the most obvious candidates to get something done.
It’s still early in the offseason, but the Cousins situation will be among the most interesting and pivotal of the offseason.
Here’s more from around the NFC:
- Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Switzer underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove bone spurs from his left ankle, the team reported. Primarily deployed as a kickoff and punt returner in his rookie season, the North Carolina product is expected to assume a heavier workload on offense in his second season.
- The Cardinals are looking to hire Titans defensive line coach Nick Eason for the same position, AZ Central’s Kent Somers hears (Twitter link). The position was previously held by Brentson Buckner for the last five seasons. Eason played 10 seasons in the NFL and has been with the Titans since 2014.
- 49ers general manager John Lynch has stated often that he envisions Jimmy Garoppolo as the quarterback in San Francisco for the foreseeable future. Lynch confirmed this week that steps have been taken to ensure that happens, reports the San Francisco Chronicle’s Eric Branch writes. The chances of Garoppolo playing somewhere other than the Bay Area in 2018 are slim to none. If a multi-year deal cannot be quickly reached, the team is sure to use the franchise tag on the signal-caller who has yet to lose as a starter in the NFL (7-0).
pretty sure Cousins was franchise tagged two years in a row and never transition tagged.
Cousins has never received the transition tag. He has only been franchise tagged.
Redskins need to make a choice on Cousins already. At this point we all know what he is
A lot of people would debate your last statement. At this point, what IS Cousins? Is he a quarterback that can take your team to the championship, or is he one that lacks pocket awareness and is “not special”? (see Scot McCloughan)
Yes he has a few years of starting film to gauge, but he’s also shown a few years of inconsistent QB play behind an inconsistently healthy O-line with inconsistent aerial options, coupled by an even more frustratingly inconsistent defense, all falling beneath inconsistent coaching. So with all of this inconsistency, how can you notice greatness?
The fact that the redskins haven’t signed him long term (and won’t) could mean they see something that multiple other NFL teams still don’t want to admit. Or it could be the biggest free agent QB gaff in recent history. But his lack of a convincing performance this season seems to favor the former.
You don’t need a special QB to make it to, or win the SB. obviously that is the preferred path but in a league where there are 3-4 elite/special QBs teams have to make due with with is available.
The redskins wouldn’t see greatness if it smacked them in the face. I said cousins was better than rg3 when they were both drafted yet the skins insisted he start over cousins. They are inept.
So you’re gauging a QB on his consistency because he has a bad offensive line
and a bad defense? Ok! Sure!
Lmao it’s funny I’ve said for the longest time Cousins is nothing but an average QB, it’s disgusting any team would seriously consider giving him more than $20M. In my opinion he’s just a Glennon but with more starts, really has he done anything worth proving he deserves to be paid like one of the best QBs?
Glennon with more stats is not a Glennon
He’s a Glennon in the sense that he’s an average QB that’s gonna get payed way more than he should, I can list 20 QBs I’d rather have before Cousins he’s not good and Redskins fans know this
list the 20 QBs you would rather have. Cousins isn’t great but he’s top 15 imo.
Sure
Wilson
Goff
Jimmy G
Rodgers
Stafford
Brees
Ryan
Newton
Wentz
Dak
Alex Smith
Rivers
Carr
Big Ben
Bortles
Watson
Luck
Marriota
Brady
And a tie between Winston and Taylor
Wrong on Winston, Taylor, Mariota, Bortles, Smith,
To Ryan Switzer: I wouldn’t have had the surgery. Bone spurs are a ticket out of military service. Plus being stinking rich too, of course.
Kirk Cousins is garbage
You’re an idiot, explain why he’s garbage? Made the Pro-Bowl, broke a few team records, been steadily productive with a few hiccups, stays healthy even when his line has been hurt. Why else would there be so much talk about him? He’s def average to plus in production, and that’s why teams want him. He’ll make money and start somewhere. I’m a Skins fan and am at a loss too as to what he or the team needs to do but he’s still a good QB.