Kirk Cousins Contract: Latest News, Rumors on Negotiations with Redskins

Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins is set to become a free agent after the 2016 season, and it appears the Redskins are dedicated to ensuring he remains with the team in 2017.

Continue for updates.

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Cousins Reportedly Could Receive Franchise Tag Again

Monday, Nov. 28

Jason Cole of Bleacher Report reported Cousins may wait to see what contracts Derek Carr and Matthew Stafford receive before inking a potential long-term deal from Washington after being hit with the franchise tag:

ESPN's Adam Schefter, citing a source, reported Sunday morning that the Redskins will place the franchise tag on Cousins again if they are unable to reach a long-term deal before free agency begins.

Albert Breer of The MMQB reported on Nov. 23 the team is unlikely to go that route, though: 

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As I understand it, the Redskins remain unlikely to tag Cousins for a second straight year, largely because the cost would be $23.94 million. That would be prohibitive because of the leverage it'd give Cousins' side in negotiating a long-term deal. That could change in the coming months, and the Redskins do want to lock up Cousins, but there is a line as to how far they'll go to do it. For his part, Cousins has moved that line since last year's talks broke down. And he's showing signs he could, indeed, push it further. 

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"It's not an ideal option but Skins are prepared to pay Cousins $24M next year if need be to keep off the open market where he'd be in demand," Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com tweeted Nov. 24. "Once tagged Cousins is negotiating off $44M over the past two years. He is in line for a massive payday if he stays on this path," La Canfora added. 

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Cousins in Line for Huge Payday

Thursday, Nov. 24

Cousins is expected to earn more than $20 million per year on his next contract, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

Rapoport, who spoke with three anonymous NFL general managers, said the Chicago Bears, New York Jets and Cleveland Browns could be among the teams to make a run at Cousins if he hits free agency.

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Cousins Impressing Again in 2016 

The quarterback, currently playing on the franchise tag, has accumulated 3,540 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and seven interceptions this season, leading Washington to a 6-4-1 record.

Cousins has made a strong case that he's worthy of a huge payday. He's now thrown for 7,257 yards, 46 touchdowns and 18 interceptions in the 26 games since he was named the team's starter last season, completing 68.7 percent of his passes. And he not only led Washington to the postseason last year, but he also has the team in position to make the playoffs again this year.

For Washington, locking him up on a long-term extension will be the organization's main priority this offseason.

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