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

The Washington Redskins have reportedly discussed a long-term contract with quarterback Kirk Cousins after giving him the franchise tag, but it seems no agreement was reached by Friday's deadline.

Continue for updates.

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Cousins, Redskins Won't Agree to New Deal

Friday, July 15

Albert Breer of NFL Network reported there was no change in talks between Cousins and the Redskins, and the quarterback will play next season on his $20 million franchise tag. Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reported the Redskins' best offer was worth $16 million per year, with $24 million in guarantees. 

On Thursday, ESPN.com's Adam Schefter reported a new deal is not expected to be reached between Cousins and the Redskins, barring an "unlikely change."

"Per a source with knowledge of the situation, nothing is happening by way of negotiations between Cousins and the team, and nothing will be happening. The two sides won't be reaching a long-term deal before the July 15 deadline," noted Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk on July 8.

"By rule, Washington and Cousins will not be able to sign a new contract until after the 2016 regular season ends."

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Schefter Weighs In on Cousins' Value

Thursday, June 30

Rotoworld transcribed Schefter's thoughts on Cousins' value from an appearance on ESPN 980:

"Schefter thinks it will be 'too difficult' to find the right value. 'I think there would be teams willing to pay him if he were on the open market today more than Washington feels like it needs to pay him,' Schefter said. 'I think a team like the Cleveland Browns would've given him $20 million a year, maybe more.'"

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No Progress in Cousins Talks

Thursday, June 23

Albert Breer of The MMQB reported, "The assumption now, according to both sides, is that Cousins will play the 2016 season on his $19.95 million franchise tender. The Redskins and Cousins' camp have spoken over the last week or so, and while talks remain amicable, they're going nowhere."

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Cousins Reveals Key Date in Negotiations

Saturday, June 11

"No progress to speak of," said Cousins, per Tarik El-Bashir of CSN Mid-Atlantic. "So stay tuned. We'll find out; July 15 will be a determining day."

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Cousins Comments on Redskins Talks

Wednesday, May 25

"I've gotten the question 47 times," Cousins told reporters. "I'm positive, very confident, when something gets done, you'll be notified."

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Redskins GM: Discussions with Cousins Are 'Positive'

Monday, May 16

Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan spoke to reporters regarding negotiations with Cousins, saying he wants to reach an agreement but adding, "It's a big contract." However, McCloughan noted he believes Cousins will remain with the franchise "for a long time."

On April 25, McCloughan addressed the situation during a press conference just ahead of the 2016 NFL draft, per Stephen Czarda of the Redskins' official website:

"

We're still in discussions, and they're positive. You know, it takes both sides to get to an agreement, but no, it's a positive thing and he has a positive feeling here about him. He's here. ...

The whole thing, I mean, it's a big contract. It's negotiation. It's back and forth. But we're in contact—we would love to get something done prior to [the deadline].

"

The deadline McCloughan referred to is July 15, which is the date by which Cousins and Washington have to agree on a new contract.

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Allen Comments on Cousins' Contract Negotiations

Wednesday, May 4

Redskins team president Bruce Allen made it clear how much the team values Cousins in an interview conducted on May 3 with Jim Miller and Pat Kirwan on SiriusXM NFL Radio, per Scott Allen of the Washington Post:

"

We've told him we want him to be our long-term quarterback and he said he wants to be. These things sometimes take a little time to work out, but they do work out. We just want to support him in any way possible and I think adding some of the players we added this year will give our offense some strength and improving the defense is always the quarterback's best friend, so I believe it will work out and hope it does.

"

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Redskins Face Tricky Decision with Cousins

Cousins received the franchise-tag designation this offseason after guiding Washington to the NFC East title in 2015 and throwing for a franchise-record 4,166 yards and 29 touchdowns.

Pete Prisco of CBS Sports recently hinted at the pressure on Cousins to play to that standard again:

Based on how much Cousins exceeded expectations last season, one could argue he deserved a long-term contract. However, Washington did see one of his draft classmates, Robert Griffin III, lead the franchise to an NFC East crown as a rookie in 2012, only to fail thereafter.

Quarterback contracts are inflated as it is. Look no further than the two-year, $35 million deal the Philadelphia Eagles gave Sam Bradford in March before proceeding to move to No. 2 overall in the draft order to take QB Carson Wentz.

Cousins showed the capability to be a franchise signal-caller this past season and will certainly garner a big payday if he plays to that level in 2016. If the 27-year-old's future doesn't lie with the Redskins, he's bound to have myriad suitors should he hit the open market next offseason.

The free-agent arrival of star cornerback Josh Norman left McCloughan and company a bit more strapped for cash with which to eventually pay Cousins.

At least for now, Cousins will make a healthy $19.95 million this year and has a shot to guide Washington to back-to-back NFC East titles in what should be a wide-open division.